Holiday Glow Ginger Spice Sugar (Print Version)

Soft, warmly spiced cookies with ginger kick and sparkling sugar finish. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy winter treats.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
08 - 1 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1/4 cup molasses
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For Rolling

12 - 1/4 cup coarse or sparkling sugar

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Beat in egg, then add molasses and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
07 - Roll each ball in sparkling sugar until evenly coated.
08 - Place coated balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set and tops show visible crackles.
10 - Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These cookies strike that perfect balance between chewy centers and slightly crisp edges that I discovered after years of disappointing ginger cookies.
  • The sparkling sugar creates tiny prisms that catch the light, making these humble cookies feel like little celebration gems on any holiday plate.
02 -
  • Overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients can make these cookies tough instead of tender, a mistake I made the first three batches I ever attempted.
  • The cookies will look slightly underdone in the centers when you pull them out, but they continue to set as they cool, creating that perfect chewy middle.
03 -
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling if your kitchen is warm, which prevents excessive spreading and intensifies the flavor.
  • Tap the baking sheet firmly on the counter halfway through baking to create those beautiful crackles on top that make these cookies so distinctive.

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