Giant Soft Ginger Cookies: A Recipe for Ultimate Comfort
Ginger cookies. Just the name evokes feelings of warmth, spice, and cozy afternoons. But these aren’t just any ginger cookies; we’re talking about *giant*, *soft*, and utterly irresistible ginger cookies. Imagine sinking your teeth into a thick, chewy cookie bursting with ginger, molasses, and a hint of cinnamon, leaving a warm, comforting glow in its wake. This recipe delivers precisely that: big, soft ginger cookies that are perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or simply indulging in a little self-care. Forget thin, crispy ginger snaps – these are the real deal, the epitome of ginger cookie perfection.
This recipe is designed to be straightforward and achievable for bakers of all skill levels. We’ll break down each step in detail, offering tips and tricks along the way to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a ginger cookie adventure!
## Why This Recipe Works
Several factors contribute to the exceptional texture and flavor of these giant soft ginger cookies:
* **Molasses is Key:** Molasses provides the signature depth of flavor that defines ginger cookies. It also contributes to the cookies’ chewiness and moisture, preventing them from becoming dry or crumbly. We’ll use a generous amount of molasses to ensure a rich, authentic ginger cookie experience.
* **Spice Blend Harmony:** The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm and complex spice profile that’s perfectly balanced. We’ll use both ground ginger and freshly grated ginger for an extra kick of flavor and aroma.
* **Brown Sugar Magic:** Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor that complements the molasses and spices beautifully. Its higher moisture content also contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
* **Butter’s Role:** Butter provides richness and tenderness to the cookies. We’ll use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dough.
* **Leavening Agents:** Baking soda and baking powder work together to give the cookies their characteristic rise and soft, chewy texture. Baking soda reacts with the molasses to create a tender crumb, while baking powder provides extra lift.
* **Chilling the Dough:** Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together and develop, resulting in a more flavorful cookie.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 3 cups (375g). Measure accurately using the spoon and level method or a kitchen scale.
* **Baking Soda:** 1 teaspoon
* **Baking Powder:** 1 teaspoon
* **Ground Ginger:** 2 teaspoons
* **Freshly Grated Ginger:** 1 tablespoon (packed)
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon
* **Ground Cloves:** ½ teaspoon
* **Salt:** ¼ teaspoon
* **Unsalted Butter:** ½ cup (113g), softened
* **Brown Sugar:** ¾ cup (150g), packed
* **Granulated Sugar:** ½ cup (100g)
* **Egg:** 1 large
* **Molasses:** ½ cup (120ml), unsulphured molasses is recommended for the best flavor
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon
* **Turbinado Sugar or Coarse Sugar:** For rolling (optional)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need at least two mixing bowls, one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer:** A stand mixer or hand mixer is recommended for creaming the butter and sugar. You can also mix by hand, but it will require more effort.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Cookie Sheets:** Line with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
* **Cookie Scoop or Spoon:** For portioning the dough evenly.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the cookies.
* **Grater or Microplane:** For grating fresh ginger.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of giant soft ginger cookies:
**Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients**
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground ginger, freshly grated ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This ensures consistent flavor and leavening throughout the cookies.
**Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar**
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process typically takes 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a tender cookie.
**Tip:** Ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted. It should be soft enough to press with your finger but still hold its shape. If the butter is too melted, the cookies may spread too much during baking.
**Step 3: Add Egg, Molasses, and Vanilla**
Beat in the egg until well combined. Then, add the molasses and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. The molasses will give the dough a rich, dark color and a characteristic flavor.
**Step 4: Gradually Add 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 develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated.
**Step 5: Chill the Dough**
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the cookies from becoming tough. It also firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking. For best results, chill overnight.
**Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
**Step 7: Scoop and Roll Dough**
Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough into generous balls (about 2-3 tablespoons each). If desired, roll the dough balls in turbinado sugar or coarse sugar for a sparkly finish. This adds a touch of sweetness and texture to the cookies.
**Step 8: Bake the Cookies**
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to bake slightly as they cool.
**Tip:** Don’t overbake the cookies! Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies. The cookies should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
**Step 9: Cool and Enjoy**
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they are still soft. Enjoy your giant soft ginger cookies warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
## Tips for Perfect Ginger Cookies
* **Use Fresh Spices:** Freshly ground spices will provide the most intense flavor. If your spices are old, they may have lost some of their potency.
* **Measure Accurately:** Baking is a science, so accurate measurements are crucial for success. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for baking.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much and for developing the flavors.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies. Bake until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
* **Store Properly:** Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for several days.
## Variations and Additions
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate-ginger twist.
* **Nuts:** Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for added crunch and flavor.
* **Orange Zest:** Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a zesty twist.
* **Icing:** Drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple powdered sugar icing for a festive touch. Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.
* **Spiced Glaze:** Make a glaze with powdered sugar, milk, ginger, cinnamon, and a touch of molasses for an extra layer of ginger flavor.
* **Crystallized Ginger:** Chop crystallized ginger and add it to the dough for an intensified ginger experience.
## Troubleshooting
* **Cookies are too flat:** This could be due to several factors, including using melted butter, not chilling the dough long enough, or overmixing the dough. Make sure to use softened butter, chill the dough for at least 2 hours, and avoid overmixing.
* **Cookies are too dry:** This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to bake the cookies until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Measure the flour accurately.
* **Cookies are too tough:** This could be due to overmixing the dough. Mix until just combined.
* **Cookies are not spreading:** This could be due to using too much flour or not enough butter. Measure the flour accurately and ensure you are using the correct amount of butter.
## Serving Suggestions
These giant soft ginger cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
* **With a glass of milk:** A classic combination.
* **With a cup of coffee or tea:** The perfect afternoon treat.
* **As part of a dessert platter:** Combine with other cookies, brownies, and bars for a festive spread.
* **As a gift:** Package the cookies in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
* **With ice cream:** Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream for a delicious sundae.
## Nutrition Information (per cookie, approximate)
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 7-9g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 35-45g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 2-3g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion
These giant soft ginger cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They’re a warm hug on a cold day, a comforting treat that evokes memories of holidays and home. With their soft, chewy texture, bold ginger flavor, and irresistible aroma, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate ginger cookie experience. Happy baking!