Follow these simple steps to create your homemade soft ginger spice cookies:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies don’t stick during baking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg (if using), baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla: To the butter and sugar mixture, add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Chill the dough: For the best results, cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
- Shape the cookies: Once chilled, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Then, roll the dough ball in the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to coat it evenly.
- Bake the cookies: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the centers are slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed! If you want a little extra sweetness, you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze.
Serving and Storage
These soft ginger spice cookies are best served fresh, but they can easily be stored to enjoy later. Here’s how:
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies to help retain moisture.
- Freezing: If you want to make a larger batch or store some cookies for later, you can freeze them. Place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. After they’re frozen solid, transfer the cookies to a freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: To reheat the cookies, simply place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Tips
- Adjusting sweetness: If you prefer your cookies a little less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar used to roll the cookies. You can also experiment with a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or stevia if you want a healthier alternative.
- Flavor variations: You can add a variety of mix-ins to change the flavor profile of these cookies. Consider adding a handful of chopped candied ginger, white chocolate chips, or even chopped pecans for extra texture and flavor.
- Molasses options: If you prefer a lighter flavor, you can use unsulfured light molasses. However, if you want a more robust, darker flavor, use a dark molasses. The type of molasses you use will impact the final taste of the cookies.
- Chilling the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough not only helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking but also gives the spices time to meld together for an even more flavorful cookie.
- Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices always give baked goods a better flavor. If possible, grind your cinnamon, ginger, and cloves from whole spices to ensure the best possible taste in your cookies.
Conclusion
These homemade soft ginger spice cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with a soft, chewy texture that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, as a holiday treat, or simply because you’re in the mood for something comforting, these cookies are sure to please everyone. The rich molasses flavor, combined with the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, makes these cookies irresistible.
So next time you’re looking for a delicious homemade treat, try making these soft ginger spice cookies. With their irresistible aroma and perfect texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie jar!
FAQ
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! To make these ginger spice cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used as a 1:1 replacement. Make sure to check the flour blend packaging for any additional instructions for best results.
2. How can I make these cookies more chewy?
If you want to make your cookies even chewier, try adding an extra tablespoon of molasses or using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. You can also slightly underbake the cookies so the centers stay soft and gooey.
3. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to the dough will give the cookies a sweet, indulgent twist. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, depending on your preference. Just fold them