I’m stuck in holiday mode and I don’t think I can get out. It’s cold and raining outside, Christmas music and sparkly lights are everywhere and all I want to do is bake cookies. Actually, the main reason I want to bake cookies is so that I have a reason to turn on the oven. Our house is so cold, I’ll take any excuse to turn it on. Don’t be surprised if most of the things I post here in the next few weeks have spent some time in the oven.
Ginger cookies scream Christmas time to me, they are the perfect cookies for Santa. These cookies are feeding my holiday spirit. As far as ginger cookies go, these are some of the best I’ve ever had and definitely the best I’ve ever made. They’re soft and chewy on the inside with a crisp sugar crust on the outside. They’re gingery, but not so spiced that kids would object to them. These are the perfect, crowd pleasing treats to bring to your next holiday potluck. I hope you make them because they are amazing but if nothing else, it gives you a reason to turn on the oven and warm up.
Big Soft Ginger Cookies
Adapted from Sweet Times at Emandal
Makes about 18 cookies
2 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons sugar
Preheat the oven to 350°.
Mix the flour, spices, baking soda and salt together in a medium size bowl. Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl. Add the molasses and egg to the butter mixture and beat until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix well.
Shape dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Roll balls in sugar to coat and place on a cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes before removing from pan and cooling on a rack. Can be stored in an airtight container for a week.
Oh my…those look fabulous. I’m on a 2 week no carb cleanse and when I get off, I’m going to swing into the holiday eating a baking world with a vengeance. These will be some of the first cookies I bake!
Happy Holidays!! We lit a candle last night and thought about you.
Yum! can’t get enough ginger. have to give these a try.
Aren’t those AMAZING!?!?
mmmmmm maybe we should make some this weekend!
I made these along with some other Christmas cookies and they were a huge hit! Even the kids (who are pretty picky) loved them.