Lemon Ginger Cookies Recipe

Lemon ginger cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, zesty lemon and spicy ginger, creating a delightful cookie with a balanced mix of flavors. These cookies are slightly crisp around the edges with a soft, chewy center, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, as an after-dinner dessert, or pack them up as a homemade gift, this lemon ginger cookie recipe is sure to please. With their bright flavor and spicy kick, these cookies stand out from the rest! Read on to learn how to make these easy yet sophisticated cookies, along with tips, substitutions, and variations.

What Are Lemon Ginger Cookies?

Lemon ginger cookies combine the tart, fresh flavor of lemon with the warm, spicy kick of ginger to create a delicious and aromatic cookie. The lemon zest and juice provide a citrusy brightness that pairs beautifully with the deep warmth of ground and crystallized ginger. The result is a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. These cookies are perfect for spring and summer but are equally enjoyable year-round, especially during the holiday season when spiced desserts are popular.

Ingredients List for Lemon Ginger Cookies

For about 24 cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened: Butter gives the cookies a rich flavor and soft texture.
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them crisp up slightly on the edges.
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed: Adds a bit of moisture and a hint of molasses flavor, helping to keep the cookies soft.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the cookies.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Enhances the lemon flavor and adds a bit of tartness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Complements the lemon and ginger flavors and rounds out the taste.
• 1 ¾ cups (210g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and keeps them soft.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds additional lift and helps create a slightly crisp exterior.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger: Gives the cookies a warm, spicy flavor.
• ¼ cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped: Adds extra warmth and chewy bits of sweet, spicy ginger.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Adds a little crunch to the outside of the cookies.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some ideas to switch up the flavors or make adjustments to suit your dietary needs:

• Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
• Dairy-free version: Use a plant-based butter substitute, such as margarine or coconut oil, instead of regular butter.
• Vegan option: Replace the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes).
• Orange ginger cookies: Swap out the lemon zest and juice for orange zest and juice to create a warm, citrusy variation.
• Ginger molasses version: Add 1 tablespoon of molasses to the wet ingredients for a richer, spicier cookie with a deeper flavor.
• Coconut-ginger twist: Replace some or all of the crystallized ginger with shredded coconut for a more tropical variation.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to bake the perfect batch of lemon ginger cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is important for creating the perfect texture in the cookies.

3. Add the Egg, Lemon, and Vanilla

Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully incorporated, and the mixture is smooth. The fresh lemon juice and zest will give your cookies their signature citrus flavor.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger. Whisking helps ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which will give your cookies a nice rise.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

6. Fold in the Crystallized Ginger

Gently fold the finely chopped crystallized ginger into the dough with a spatula. This will add chewy, spicy bits of ginger to every bite of cookie.

7. Scoop and Roll the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll the dough balls in granulated sugar to coat them. This will give the cookies a slight crunch and a sweet finish.

8. Place on Baking Sheets

Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.

9. Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies should still be soft in the middle, as they will firm up as they cool.

10. Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps the cookies set and enhances their chewy texture.

How to Cook Lemon Ginger Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the key steps for making these lemon ginger cookies:

1. Cream the butter and sugars to create a light, fluffy base for the dough.
2. Add the egg, lemon, and vanilla to infuse the dough with bright citrus flavors.
3. Mix the dry ingredients and gently incorporate them into the wet ingredients.
4. Fold in crystallized ginger for chewy, spicy bursts in every bite.
5. Roll the dough balls in sugar to give the cookies a crunchy exterior.
6. Bake until golden and let the cookies cool completely before enjoying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when baking lemon ginger cookies:

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can develop too much gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Using too much flour: Be sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Packing too much flour into the cup can result in dry, cakey cookies.
• Skipping the sugar coating: Rolling the dough in sugar gives the cookies a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior that balances out the tartness of the lemon and the spice of the ginger. Don’t skip this step!
• Overbaking: For soft, chewy cookies, be sure to take them out of the oven when the edges are just turning golden. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Lemon ginger cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas for serving them in style:

• With tea: Serve the cookies with a cup of hot tea, especially lemon or ginger tea, for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Cookie platter: Arrange your cookies on a pretty platter with fresh lemon slices and sprigs of mint for an elegant presentation.
• Holiday gifts: These cookies make wonderful holiday gifts. Package them in a decorative tin or box with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade treat.
• Drizzle with icing: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the cookies with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

How to Serve Lemon Ginger Cookies

Lemon ginger cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or a mid-day snack. If you want to serve them as part of a dessert spread, pair them with other citrus or spiced treats like lemon bars or gingerbread cookies.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Ginger Cookies

To make your lemon ginger cookies stand out, try these creative presentation ideas:

• Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant look.
• Lemon glaze drizzle: Drizzle the tops of the cookies with a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for a tangy, sweet finish.
• Candied ginger garnish: Garnish each cookie with a small piece of candied ginger or a twist of lemon zest for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.

Lemon Ginger Cookie Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your lemon ginger cookies come out perfect every time:

• Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, which can taste dull or overly tart.
• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Taste the dough for balance: Depending on the size of your lemons, you may need to adjust the amount of zest or juice. Taste the dough and adjust as needed for the perfect lemon flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze lemon ginger cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough by portioning it into balls and freezing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

2. How do I make the cookies more lemony?
For an even stronger lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest or add a little lemon extract. You can also drizzle the baked cookies with a lemon glaze for an extra citrusy kick.

3. Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies are often the result of too-warm butter or dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if it's too soft before baking.

4. How long do lemon ginger cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for 3-5 days. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Lemon ginger cookies are the perfect blend of bright, zesty citrus and warm, spicy ginger, making them an exciting and flavorful treat. With their soft, chewy texture and vibrant flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie rotation. Whether you bake them for yourself or to share with others, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Happy baking!

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