The Absolute Perfection Ginger Spice Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of ginger and spices into a chewy and flavorful cookie. These cookies have a rich history of being enjoyed during various festive occasions and as comforting snacks. Let’s delve into the components, preparation steps, and the time needed to create these delicious cookies:
Components:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Preparation Steps:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours. This step helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take small portions of the chilled dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to coat them lightly.
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to spread during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are slightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time Needed:
- Preparation Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes (excluding chilling time)
- Chilling Time: 1-2 hours
- Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Cooling Time: Varies, but around 15-20 minutes
The Absolute Perfection Ginger Spice Cookies are a delightful treat that offers a blend of rich flavors and textures. Their history can be traced back to traditional recipes that embraced the warmth of ginger and spices. These cookies are perfect for enjoying during festive seasons, as a cozy treat on a chilly day, or whenever you’re craving a touch of nostalgia and indulgence. Happy baking!
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Absolute Perfection Ginger Spice Cookies:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving, based on a standard batch):
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Around 90-110 calories
- Total Fat: About 4-5g
- Saturated Fat: About 2.5-3g
- Cholesterol: Around 15-20mg
- Sodium: Approximately 70-80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: About 14-18g
- Dietary Fiber: Around 0.2-0.5g
- Sugars: Around 7-9g
- Protein: About 1-2g
Health Information:
- Moderation: While these cookies are delicious, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.
- Sugar Intake: The sugar content in the cookies contributes to their flavor, but excess sugar consumption should be monitored as part of a balanced diet.
- Saturated Fat: The saturated fat content comes from butter. It’s advisable to limit saturated fat intake for heart health.
- Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overindulgence in calories and sugar.
- Nutritional Balance: These cookies are a treat and not a significant source of essential nutrients. Pair them with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Customization: Consider using healthier substitutes like whole wheat flour, reducing sugar, or incorporating nuts and dried fruits for added nutrition.
Remember that the provided nutrition facts are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements used during baking. Always consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice and recommendations.
