Fresh Ginger Root Cookies Recipe

Master these homemade fresh ginger root cookies with our foolproof recipe! The perfect balance of warming spices and bright, zingy fresh ginger creates the best chewy-centered, crisp-edged cookies you've ever tasted. Learn how to properly infuse fresh ginger into your cookie dough for maximum flavor in this easy baking recipe.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

25 mins

Cook Time:

12 mins

Serves:

24 cookies

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">240g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp baking soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground ginger</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground cloves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">170g unsalted butter, at room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g dark brown sugar, packed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg, at room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">45g fresh ginger root, peeled and finely grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">75g crystallized ginger, finely chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp molasses (or golden syrup)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Microplane or ginger grater</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheets</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cookie scoop or tablespoon measure</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves until well combined. This pre-mixing ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agents throughout the dough.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This extended creaming creates air pockets that will help the cookies rise and develop their perfect texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. The molasses adds depth of flavor and helps maintain moisture in the cookies.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Gently fold in the freshly grated ginger root, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Fresh ginger contains natural enzymes and oils that will infuse the dough with bright, zingy flavor as it rests.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three additions, mixing on low speed just until combined after each addition. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cookies tough, so mix just until no flour streaks remain.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Fold in the chopped crystallized ginger by hand using a spatula. The crystallized ginger provides delightful chewy pockets of intense ginger flavor throughout the cookies.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in better-textured cookies with enhanced flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 180°C and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place about 50g granulated sugar in a small bowl for rolling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into 24 equal balls (about 30g each). Roll each ball between your palms to smooth, then roll in the granulated sugar to coat completely.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 5cm apart as they will spread during baking. For thicker cookies, leave the dough balls tall; for thinner cookies, gently flatten them with your palm.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will appear puffy and crackled on top. Don't overbake – they'll continue to firm up as they cool.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (they're quite fragile when hot), then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they'll settle into that perfect chewy texture with crisp edges.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 13</h4>Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The ginger flavor will actually intensify over the first 24 hours as the spices continue to meld. Enjoy with a cup of hot tea or coffee for the perfect spicy-sweet treat!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Fresh Ginger Root Cookies Recipe?

These cookies combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, spices (cinnamon, ground ginger, cloves), butter, sugars, egg, vanilla, fresh grated ginger root, crystallized ginger, and molasses. The fresh and crystallized ginger provide dual layers of zingy warmth.

How to cook Fresh Ginger Root Cookies Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Fresh Ginger Root Cookies by first whisking together dry ingredients, then creaming butter and sugars before adding wet ingredients and ginger. Chill the dough for at least an hour, roll into balls, coat in sugar, and bake at 180°C for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centres remain soft for that perfect chewy texture.

Why should I chill ginger cookie dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is crucial for ginger cookies as it allows the flour to hydrate fully, prevents excessive spreading during baking, and most importantly, gives time for the fresh ginger's oils and enzymes to infuse throughout the dough, intensifying the flavour.

What's the difference between using fresh and ground ginger in cookies?

Fresh ginger provides bright, zingy heat and aromatic qualities that ground ginger lacks. Including both gives dimensional flavour—ground ginger offers consistent background warmth while fresh ginger delivers sharp, citrusy notes and a more complex taste profile.

Can I freeze ginger cookie dough for later baking?

Absolutely! This dough freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into balls, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, roll in sugar and add 1-2 minutes to the baking time—no need to thaw first.

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