Lemon Ginger Cookies Recipe

Looking for a cookie that combines the refreshing brightness of lemon with the warm, earthy flavor of ginger? Lemon ginger cookies offer the best of both worlds, giving you a sweet and tangy bite that’s packed with bold flavors. These cookies are perfect for any time of year, but especially during cooler months when the warming spice of ginger can be appreciated. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, baking for the holidays, or just craving a unique treat, lemon ginger cookies are the perfect go-to recipe. Read on for the full recipe, helpful tips, and common mistakes to avoid for baking the best lemon ginger cookies!

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What Are Lemon Ginger Cookies?

Lemon ginger cookies are a delicious combination of fresh lemon and ground ginger, resulting in a flavorful cookie with a soft, chewy texture. The zesty lemon provides a citrusy brightness, while the ginger adds a warm, spicy undertone that complements the sweetness of the cookie. Often rolled in sugar before baking, these cookies have a slightly crisp exterior with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. Lemon ginger cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and tart, making them a unique and delightful treat.

Ingredients List for Lemon Ginger Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these flavorful cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie, giving it structure.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the perfect chewy texture.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and gives structure to the cookies.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Provides bright, tangy citrus flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with aromatic oils.
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and spice to the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a soft texture.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the cookies have a light, airy texture.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Enhances the ginger and adds depth to the flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor profile.
• ¼ cup finely chopped crystallized ginger: Adds bits of chewy, spicy ginger in every bite.
• Extra granulated sugar for rolling: Coats the cookies for a slightly crisp exterior.

Substitutions and Variations

There’s plenty of room to get creative with this lemon ginger cookie recipe. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Butter substitutes: If you’re looking to make a dairy-free version, you can replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Keep in mind that coconut oil may add a slight coconut flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free lemon ginger cookies. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Sugar alternatives: You can replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or another sugar substitute, but this may affect the color and texture of the cookies slightly.
• Additional spices: If you want to enhance the spiciness, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for a more complex flavor profile.
• Orange variation: Substitute the lemon juice and zest with orange juice and zest for an orange ginger cookie variation.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake a batch of delicious lemon ginger cookies:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
4. Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. The mixture will become smooth and slightly creamy.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
6. Fold in crystallized ginger: Gently fold the chopped crystallized ginger into the dough to ensure even distribution.
7. Roll the dough balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each dough ball in the extra granulated sugar until fully coated.
8. Bake the cookies: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and slightly cracked on top.
9. Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

1. Prep the ingredients: Start by mixing your dry ingredients and creaming your butter and sugar. This ensures a fluffy texture and even distribution of flavor.
2. Zest and juice the lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for the bright citrus flavor. Be sure to zest the lemon before juicing it for maximum ease.
3. Fold in crystallized ginger: Adding crystallized ginger gives the cookies an extra kick of spice and a chewy texture. Be sure to fold it in gently to avoid overworking the dough.
4. Roll in sugar: Rolling the dough in sugar before baking creates a slightly crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy interior.
5. Bake until lightly golden: The cookies should be just turning golden at the edges when you take them out. They’ll firm up slightly as they cool, so don’t overbake them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making lemon ginger cookies is straightforward, but here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can cause the cookies to be tough. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined.
• Not chilling the dough: If your kitchen is warm or your dough is sticky, refrigerating the dough for 15-30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Underbaking or overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. If they’re underbaked, they may be too soft and gooey; if overbaked, they can become too dry. They should be lightly golden at the edges when done.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Lemon ginger cookies are as versatile in presentation as they are in flavor. Here are some ways to serve and present them:

• Pair with tea: Lemon ginger cookies pair beautifully with a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile, lemon, or ginger tea, making them the perfect afternoon treat.
• Holiday cookie platter: Add these cookies to a holiday cookie platter with other favorites like sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, and chocolate chip cookies for a festive assortment.
• Gift them in a jar: Place a few cookies in a mason jar with a decorative ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.

How to Serve Lemon Ginger Cookies

Lemon ginger cookies can be served warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for dessert, a midday snack, or served alongside coffee or tea. For a special touch, serve the cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of lemon sorbet.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Ginger Cookies

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

• Citrus garnish: Serve the cookies with thin slices of fresh lemon for a colorful and aromatic garnish.
• Dust with powdered sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness, lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
• Holiday packaging: Wrap the cookies in decorative cellophane bags with a festive ribbon to give as holiday gifts or party favors.

Lemon Ginger Cookies Recipe Tips

• Chill the dough: If your dough is too soft to handle, chill it for 15-30 minutes before rolling the dough balls. This will make it easier to work with and prevent excessive spreading.
• Store properly: Store your lemon ginger cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Add extra lemon: If you love an intense lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon zest or add a teaspoon of lemon extract for an extra burst of citrus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

While ground ginger provides a concentrated flavor that works well in baking, you can use fresh ginger for a more intense, spicy kick. Use about 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger in place of the ground ginger.

2. How should I store lemon ginger cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll the dough into balls, coat them in sugar, and bake as directed.

4. Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Roll them in sugar, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake the cookies directly from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

5. Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies are spreading too much during baking, the dough may be too warm. Try chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.

Conclusion

Lemon ginger cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright zest of lemon with the warm spice of ginger for a cookie that’s as flavorful as it is comforting. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or as gifts, this lemon ginger cookie recipe is a must-try. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy the deliciousness of lemon ginger cookies today!

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