Lemon Ginger Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a cookie that’s both zesty and warming, look no further than lemon ginger cookies! These delightful cookies perfectly balance the bright, tangy flavor of lemon with the spicy warmth of ginger. The combination creates a refreshing, slightly spicy, soft-baked treat with a chewy center and a crisp edge. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply for a cozy treat with tea, these cookies are sure to impress. Follow this step-by-step recipe to make your own batch of flavorful lemon ginger cookies.

What Are Lemon Ginger Cookies?

Lemon ginger cookies are a unique, flavorful treat that combines the fresh, citrusy zing of lemon with the warmth and spiciness of ginger. The cookies are often soft and chewy, with a lightly crisp edge. Ground ginger or fresh ginger gives these cookies a spicy kick, while lemon juice and zest add brightness. They're perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee and make a great addition to any cookie platter.

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Ingredients List for Lemon Ginger Cookies

Gather these ingredients before starting, and you’ll be well on your way to making delicious lemon ginger cookies:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a soft texture.
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and creates a crisp exterior.
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed: Adds a slight chewiness and depth of flavor.
• 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds the ingredients together.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: For a bold ginger flavor. (You can substitute with 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger if needed.)
• Zest of 1 large lemon: Adds bright lemon flavor.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Provides tangy lemon flavor.
• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Enhances the ginger flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the ginger.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Optional:

• Turbinado sugar or granulated sugar for rolling: Adds a delightful crunch to the cookie edges before baking.

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Substitutions and Variations

These lemon ginger cookies are quite versatile. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try based on your dietary preferences or ingredients on hand:

• Vegan Option: Replace the butter with plant-based margarine, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as an egg replacement.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Ginger Types: If fresh ginger isn’t available, you can use ground ginger (1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger for every tablespoon of fresh ginger).
• Add-Ins: Try adding crystallized ginger chunks for an extra burst of ginger or white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the tartness of the lemon.
• Icing Option: Drizzle the cookies with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness and a decorative finish.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the process of baking these flavorful cookies. Follow the steps carefully for perfect results!

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:

• In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

3. Add the Egg, Lemon, and Ginger:

• Add the egg, grated ginger, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
• Beat on medium speed until everything is well combined.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and salt.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

6. Chill the Dough (Optional):

• For easier handling and better flavor development, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. This step is optional but recommended.

7. Roll the Dough into Balls:

• Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough per cookie.
• Roll the dough into balls and, if desired, roll the balls in granulated or turbinado sugar for extra crunch.

8. Bake the Cookies:

• Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear slightly cracked but the centers are still soft.

9. Cool the Cookies:

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets.
2. Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and ginger until well combined.
4. Whisk together the dry ingredients and gradually combine them with the wet ingredients.
5. Roll the dough into balls, coat in sugar (optional), and place on baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then cool on wire racks.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your lemon ginger cookies turn out perfectly:

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can cause the cookies to become tough. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
• Skipping Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavor. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much during baking.
• Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F (175°C). Baking at too high a temperature can cause the cookies to burn, while too low of a temperature may result in underbaked cookies.
• Using Cold Butter: Softened butter creams better with the sugars, resulting in a smoother dough. Make sure your butter is at room temperature.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Lemon ginger cookies are delicious on their own, but you can make them extra special with a little attention to presentation. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your cookies:

• On a Tiered Dessert Tray: Serve the cookies on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant look, especially if you’re serving them at a party or tea gathering.
• With a Side of Tea: Lemon ginger cookies pair wonderfully with hot tea, particularly black tea, Earl Grey, or chamomile. Serve them alongside a steaming pot of tea for a cozy snack.
• Gift-Wrapped Cookies: Place the cookies in a tin or clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

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How to Serve Lemon Ginger Cookies

Lemon ginger cookies are versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Tea Time Treat: Serve these cookies with tea for a refreshing and comforting treat. The lemon and ginger pair well with both black and herbal teas.
• Dessert Table: Include these cookies on a dessert table for a variety of flavors and textures. They offer a unique flavor that stands out from traditional chocolate chip or sugar cookies.
• Cookie Exchange: Lemon ginger cookies are a great choice for a cookie exchange, adding a unique twist to the usual cookie selection.

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Presentation Ideas for Lemon Ginger Cookies

Enhance the visual appeal of your lemon ginger cookies with these simple presentation ideas:

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
• Lemon Zest Garnish: After baking, sprinkle a bit of fresh lemon zest on top of the cookies to give them extra visual appeal and a burst of fresh lemon aroma.
• Iced Cookies: Drizzle the cookies with a simple lemon glaze (made with powdered sugar and lemon juice) for a glossy finish and a sweet-tart flavor boost.

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Lemon Ginger Cookies Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your lemon ginger cookies turn out perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Ginger: Freshly grated ginger provides a more vibrant and spicy ginger flavor than ground ginger alone.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
• Lemon Flavor: For a stronger lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract along with the lemon zest and juice.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly onto the baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to the butter being too warm or the dough not being chilled enough. Chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape better during baking.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon?
Yes, you can use lemon extract, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon, as it's more concentrated than fresh lemon juice.

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Conclusion

These lemon ginger cookies are the perfect blend of zesty and spicy, offering a delightful change from the usual cookie flavors. Their chewy, soft texture and vibrant taste make them an ideal treat for any time of day. Whether you serve them with tea, bring them to a cookie exchange, or gift them to friends, these cookies are sure to impress. Follow the recipe, try some of the variations, and enjoy baking and sharing this flavorful treat. Happy baking! 🍋🍪

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