Absolute Perfection Ginger Spice Cookies Recipe

Ingredients for Absolute Perfection Ginger Spice Cookies

• All Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (7 ounces) crystallized ginger, finely chopped
• Dark Brown Sugar
• Vegetable Shortening
• Unsalted Butter
• 1 large egg
• Light Molasses
• Optional: extra crystallized ginger crumbs for rolling

How to Make Absolute Perfection Ginger Spice Cookies

1. Whisk together 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
2. Stir in 1 cup (7 ounces) crystallized ginger, finely chopped (see tips below).
3. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in 1 large egg and 1/4 cup molasses until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients (from step 1) and 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two baking sheets.
8. Using wet hands, roll the dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. If desired, roll balls in extra crystallized ginger “crumbs” instead of turbinado sugar (optional).
9. Place balls onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
10. Refrigerate cookies for 10 minutes.
11. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are cracked but still soft to the touch. Do not overbake.
12. Let cool on baking sheets for 1 minute before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
13. Store airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.