Lemon Ginger Cookies are a delightful combination of zesty lemon and warming ginger, creating a cookie that’s bursting with flavor. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with a refreshing citrus zing that pairs perfectly with the subtle spice of ginger. Whether you’re making them for a tea party, holiday celebration, or just to enjoy as a sweet treat, Lemon Ginger Cookies are a fantastic option that will surely impress. With their bright flavor and tender texture, these cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
What Are Lemon Ginger Cookies?
Lemon Ginger Cookies are soft, chewy cookies that combine the tangy brightness of fresh lemon zest and juice with the spicy warmth of ginger. The lemon brings a refreshing citrus flavor, while the ginger adds depth and complexity. Depending on your taste, you can use fresh ginger, ground ginger, or even crystallized ginger for an extra zing. These cookies are not only delicious but also refreshing, making them a perfect treat for any time of year.
The base of the cookie is a simple dough enriched with butter and sugar, giving the cookies a rich and soft texture. The fresh lemon and ginger elevate the flavors, creating a cookie that is light, fragrant, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients List for Lemon Ginger Cookies
To make these flavorful Lemon Ginger Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and ensures the cookies stay soft and tender.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cookies brown slightly in the oven.
- 1 large egg, at room temperature: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookie's structure.
- 2 tablespoon lemon zest: Adds fresh, bright lemon flavor.
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Enhances the lemony flavor and adds a slight tang.
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground ginger: For a mild ginger flavor; can be substituted with fresh ginger for a more intense taste.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving structure to the cookies.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and keeps them soft.
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a bit of extra lift, creating a lighter texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- ½ cup crystallized ginger (optional): For extra texture and a stronger ginger flavor, finely chopped crystallized ginger is a wonderful addition.
For rolling the cookies:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: This is used to roll the dough balls in before baking to give the cookies a slightly crispy exterior.
Substitutions and Variations
You can easily customize this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
- Butter alternatives: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative to make these cookies dairy-free.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
- Extra ginger: For a stronger ginger flavor, add 1-2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger to the dough or increase the amount of crystallized ginger.
- Lemon glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness and lemony tang.
- Lemon and ginger mix-ins: Add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for a more indulgent cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make soft and flavorful Lemon Ginger 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 prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough, which helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
- Add the egg and lemon: Beat in the egg until fully combined, then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and ground ginger. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. The lemon zest and juice will provide that bright citrus flavor, while the ginger adds a warm spice.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed in the dough.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in crystallized ginger (optional): If you’re using crystallized ginger, fold it into the dough now for an extra punch of ginger flavor and texture.
- Shape the cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Lightly press down on the tops of the cookies to flatten them slightly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked. The centers should still look soft—this ensures the cookies remain chewy.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies firm up without becoming hard.
How to Cook Lemon Ginger Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
To ensure the best results, here’s a quick guide to making the perfect Lemon Ginger Cookies:
- Measure your ingredients accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid overpacking, which can make the cookies dense.
- Cream the butter and sugar properly: This step helps incorporate air, making the cookies light and fluffy. Beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Chill the dough (optional): If your dough is very soft, you can chill it for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. You want the edges to be set, but the centers should still look slightly soft to achieve that chewy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Overbaking can cause the cookies to become hard and dry. The cookies should still look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven.
- Using too much flour: Be sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour can make the cookies dense and dry.
- Skipping the lemon zest: The zest provides a lot of the lemon flavor, so don’t skip it! It adds a bright citrus note that enhances the overall flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Lemon Ginger Cookies are best served at room temperature and pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk.
How to Serve Lemon Ginger Cookies
- As a tea-time treat: These cookies are perfect for serving alongside tea or coffee, especially at a brunch or afternoon tea gathering.
- With a light glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cookies for extra sweetness and a touch of elegance.
- Holiday cookie platter: Add these cookies to a holiday cookie platter with other festive treats like gingerbread cookies or shortbread for a variety of flavors.
Presentation Ideas for Lemon Ginger Cookies
- Decorative glaze: Drizzle or pipe a decorative pattern of lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for a professional look.
- Zest garnish: Sprinkle a little extra lemon zest on top of the cookies before baking for added color and flavor.
- Gift packaging: Place a few cookies in a clear bag or decorative tin, tied with a ribbon, for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Lemon Ginger Cookies Recipe Tips
- Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it lacks the bright, citrusy aroma of fresh lemons.
- Chill the dough if necessary: If the dough is too soft, chilling it for 15-20 minutes can make it easier to handle and shape.
- Add extra ginger: For a spicier kick, increase the amount of ground ginger or add fresh grated ginger.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
2. How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
3. Can I substitute ground ginger with fresh ginger?
Yes! You can use about 1-2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger in place of the ground ginger for a stronger, spicier flavor.
4. How do I make the cookies gluten-free?
Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Conclusion
Lemon Ginger Cookies are a delightful and refreshing treat that balances the zesty brightness of lemon with the warm spice of ginger. Whether you're making them for a special occasion, holiday celebration, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With their soft, chewy texture and bold flavors, they’re perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, or even as a gift for friends and family.
Now that you’ve got the recipe and all the tips, it’s time to head to the kitchen and start baking. Enjoy your flavorful, homemade Lemon Ginger Cookies! 🍋🍪
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Lemon Ginger Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These lemon ginger cookies are a delicious combination of bright, zesty lemon and the warm spice of ginger. Soft, chewy, and full of flavor, these cookies are perfect for a refreshing treat with a hint of warmth. Made with fresh lemon juice, zest, and ground ginger, they make a great addition to your cookie rotation, especially during the holiday season. Serve these cookies with tea or coffee for a delightful snack.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup crystallized ginger, chopped (optional)
- Granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and molasses until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If using, fold in chopped crystallized ginger.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in granulated sugar. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are slightly cracked on top. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, drizzle the cookies with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- If you prefer a spicier cookie, increase the amount of ground ginger.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
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