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This Frosted Ginger Cookies Recipe captures the heartwarming flavors of ginger and cinnamon wrapped in a sweet, creamy frosting. These cookies bring a festive spirit to any gathering, offering a delightful balance of spicy warmth and sugary smoothness. Perfect for holidays or cozy moments, they create a comforting treat that always feels like a special occasion.
I first made these during a chilly winter evening, and the smell instantly filled the house with holiday cheer. Since then, they have become a requested treat in our home gatherings and a symbol of festive joy.
Ingredients
- Shortening: for tenderness and to help the cookies keep their shape
- Softened salted butter: adds rich flavor and moist texture for the perfect bite
- Brown sugar: packed for a deep molasses-like sweetness and chewy texture
- Granulated sugar: brings a balanced sweetness and helps the edges crisp up nicely
- Large egg: to bind the dough and provide moisture
- Molasses: is essential for authentic ginger flavor and adds moistness to the cookies
- Vanilla extract: enhances the overall warmth with its sweet, aromatic qualities
- Ground cinnamon: introduces warmth and a subtle sweetness that complements the ginger
- Ground ginger: delivers that classic spicy bite all ginger cookies must have
- Ground cloves: adds a faint aromatic complexity that rounds out the spice mix beautifully
- Salt: highlights other flavors and balances the overall sweetness
- Baking soda: acts as the leavening agent for a tender yet lightly crisp texture
- All-purpose flour: forms the sturdy base for the cookie dough, fluff and scoop for best results
- Butter for frosting: creates creamy richness essential for that smooth top layer
- Powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens the frosting
- Milk: adjusts the frosting texture to a perfect spreadable consistency
- Vanilla extract or vanilla paste for frosting: adds fragrant depth and sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup easier.
- Cream the Fats and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, beat together shortening, softened salted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step builds a tender, light texture in your cookies.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in molasses, the large egg, and vanilla extract. Beat gently until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture looks luscious and smooth.
- Incorporate the Spices and Leavening:
- Add ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, salt, and baking soda. Stir these in thoroughly to make sure the warm spice flavors distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Mix in the Flour:
- Gradually add flour one cup at a time, mixing just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop dough into balls about two tablespoons each and place them evenly spaced, about two inches apart, on the prepared baking sheet. This spacing prevents sticking and helps the cookies spread correctly.
- Bake and Cool:
- Bake for approximately eleven minutes until edges are firm and the center looks set. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet to develop texture before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Combine softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Beat until smooth and fluffy to create a creamy frosting perfect for spreading.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Spread a thick layer of frosting on each cookie. Add festive sprinkles, crushed crystallized ginger, or finely chopped nuts for added texture and color if you like.
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My favorite ingredient is molasses because it brings depth and moisture that make these cookies truly special. One holiday season, my kids and I baked a huge batch and shared them with neighbors, turning these cookies into a way to spread warmth beyond our kitchen.
Storage Tips
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep frosting fresh, store layers separated by parchment paper and frost just before serving. Cookie dough balls freeze beautifully before baking when placed on a tray then transferred to bags. For frosted cookies, flash freeze on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together or smudge before storing.
Ingredient Substitutions
Butter can replace shortening for richer flavor, but the cookies may spread more and be less tender. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version but expect a slight texture change. Honey can substitute molasses, though it softens the spice flavor and sweetness balance slightly; molasses is preferred for that smoky depth.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai or a creamy latte to enhance the spices. For a decadent combo, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk balances the sweet and spicy perfectly. Garnishes such as crushed crystallized ginger or nuts add texture and visual appeal.
Pro Tips
- Toast ground spices briefly before adding to intensify their aroma and flavor
- Do not overmix after adding flour to keep cookies tender
- Frost cookies only once completely cooled to avoid melting and losing that smooth topping
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute butter for shortening?
Yes, butter can replace shortening but it may result in a slightly firmer, less tender texture and a richer flavor.
- → Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free flour blend that matches regular flour in measurement for best results.
- → How do I make the frosting less sweet?
Reduce powdered sugar slightly and add a pinch of salt or lemon juice to balance the frosting's sweetness while maintaining creaminess.
- → Can honey be used instead of molasses?
Honey will alter the flavor, making the cookies milder and sweeter, but molasses provides the signature deep, smoky spice.
- → How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they keep their freshness and texture for up to one week.
- → What are some garnish alternatives to sprinkles?
Try crushed crystallized ginger or chopped nuts for added texture and a complementary zing.