Delicious ginger cookies

Ingredients

Cookies

500 grams (2.5 cups) sugar
200 milliliters (0.85 cups) boiling water
200 grams (1 cup) butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 egg
850 grams (6.8 cups) flour

Equipment

Saucepan
Tips: Choose a saucepan with a thick bottom to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
Wooden Spoon
Tips: Use a wooden spoon for stirring the caramel, as it doesn’t conduct heat and is easy to clean.
Mixing Bowls
Tips: Have separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients to keep things organized.
Hand Mixer
Tips: A hand mixer will help to achieve a smooth and well-mixed dough, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
Rolling Pin
Tips: Use a rolling pin to evenly roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Cookie Cutters
Tips: Choose fun and festive shapes to make the cookies more exciting.
Siliconized Parchment or Perforated Rug
Tips: These surfaces prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.

Instructions

Step 1

In a saucepan with a thick bottom, pour in the sugar. Heat on medium and wait for it to dissolve and turn brown to create dry caramel. Stir occasionally. Stirring helps to prevent the sugar from burning.

Step 2

Remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly add boiling water to the caramel while stirring continuously. Adding the water slowly and stirring prevents the caramel from hardening quickly.

Step 3

Return the saucepan to the heat, add the butter, and stir until melted. Ensure the butter is fully melted to combine well with the caramel.

Step 4

Add salt, baking soda, ground ginger, and cinnamon. Mix everything well. The mixture will increase in volume. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 5

Allow the mixture to cool down, then add the egg and beat with a mixer until smooth. Ensure the mixture is not hot before adding the egg to avoid cooking it.

Step 6

Add sifted flour gradually. Do not overdo it with the flour; the dough should remain very soft and tender. Knead the dough. Adding flour gradually helps to achieve the right dough consistency.

Step 7

Refrigerate the dough for 4-5 hours, or better yet, overnight. Chilling the dough helps develop its flavor and makes it easier to handle.

Step 8

After refrigeration, roll the dough into a 3-5mm thick layer and cut out desired shapes. Flour your rolling pin and surface to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Place the cut-out figures on siliconized parchment or a perforated mat. Bake in a preheated oven at 338°F (170°C), top-bottom mode, for about 7-10 minutes. Monitor the cookies as ovens may vary in temperature.

Servings

Freshly baked cookies are the ultimate comfort treat and can be served in myriad lovable ways:

Elevate the Experience: Serve these delicious cookies with a warm cup of your favorite tea or coffee. The spicy ginger flavor pairs especially well with a rich, dark brew.

Ice Cream Sandwiches: 🥪 Place a scoop of vanilla or ginger ice cream between two cookies for a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any season.

Gift-Giving Goodies: 🎁 Wrap up these cookies in festive bags or boxes and present them as homemade gifts. A sweet gesture that feels incredibly personal and thoughtful.

Sweet Dip: 🍯 For an extra treat, serve these cookies with a side of caramel or chocolate dip. It’s an indulgent experience for those looking to satisfy a sugar craving.

Variations

For our gluten-free and vegan friends, we've got you covered with these delightful adaptations:

Gluten-Free Option: 🌾 Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your baking soda and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Vegan Option: 🌱 Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water). Also, check that your sugar is vegan-friendly.

Faq

Why did my caramel turn out grainy?
This often happens if the sugar isn’t melted evenly. Stir the sugar gently and continuously until it fully dissolves and becomes a smooth caramel.
Can I skip chilling the dough?
Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag, and thaw before enjoying.
How can I make sure my cookies are evenly baked?
For even baking, make sure your cookies are the same thickness and size. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time.
Why did my cookies turn out hard?
Overbaking can result in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove from the oven when they are just set and still slightly soft in the center.
How do I keep my cookie shapes from deforming?
Make sure the dough is well-chilled before cutting out shapes, and avoid overworking the dough to maintain the integrity of the shapes.