Orange Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger Recipe
Delight in these zesty Orange Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger that combine the bright citrus flavor of orange zest with the warm, spicy kick of crystallized ginger. Soft yet slightly crisp around the edges, these cookies are perfect for a flavorful treat or festive occasions.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: About 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookie Dough
- 1 portion (370g) Basic Cookie Dough Recipe
Add-ins
- 3 ounces (85g) crystallized ginger, finely diced
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3 tablespoons white coarse sanding sugar
- Make the Dough Log: Break the basic cookie dough into pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes so the dough softens slightly, making it easier to mix.
- Add Flavorings: Incorporate the finely diced crystallized ginger and fresh orange zest evenly into the dough, taking care not to overhandle it to maintain the dough’s texture.
- Shape Dough: Form the dough into a smooth, even log measuring approximately 7 inches long and 2 inches wide for uniform slicing later.
- Chill Dough: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours, to ensure clean slices and to develop flavors.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Slice the Dough: Remove the log from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and slice into 3/8-inch thick rounds for even cookie sizes.
- Coat with Sugar: Roll the edges of each cookie slice in white coarse sanding sugar to add a sparkling finish and a slight crunch on the edges.
- Arrange Cookies: Place the sugared rounds on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake cookies at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges look set and the centers turn a light golden color, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up properly.
- Serve or Store: Serve on a platter for immediate enjoyment or store in a cool, dry place to keep cookies fresh for several days.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the dough once ginger and zest are added to maintain the cookie’s tender texture.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for clean slicing and for proper cookie shape during baking.
- If you don’t have sanding sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar, but it will be less coarse and shiny.
- For enhanced orange flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange juice to the dough, but reduce other liquids slightly to compensate.
Keywords: Orange ginger cookies, crystallized ginger cookies, citrus cookies, holiday cookies, soft ginger cookies