These perfect chewy ginger cookies have super chewy centers, soft and tender edges, and are full of spiced gingerbread flavor. A generous dip of brown butter vanilla icing is the finishing touch for these perfect, pillowy Christmas cookies.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together with an electric hand mixer on high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl as necessary with a rubber spatula. (You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.)
3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
Add in the egg yolks, molasses and vanilla and mix for one minute on medium speed until fluffy.
2 egg yolks, at room temperature, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/3 cup (110 g) unsulphured molasses
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and combine on low speed.
Scoop the dough into 18 portions with a 2 tbsp cookie scoop, then roll into balls. Roll the cookie dough balls in the spiced sugar.
Transfer the cookie dough to a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 6 cookies at a time for 9-10 minutes.
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. (As they cool they will go from puffy to flatter.)
For the Brown Butter Vanilla Icing
Add the brown butter to a small pot. Heat it over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and come to a simmer. Simmer until the butter is foamy, giving off a nutty aroma and has turned a deep golden brown. The whole process should take about 5 minutes.
4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter
Transfer the brown butter to a medium bowl. Add in the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla. (Start with 2 tbsp of milk, and add more gradually as needed.) Whisk together until smooth.