Go Back
5 from 1 rating

Chewy Ginger Cookies

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.

Ingredients

For the Spiced Sugar

  • 6 tbsp (75 g) granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves

For the Chewy Ginger Cookies

  • 2 1/2 cups (313 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 2 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/3 cup (110 g) unsulphured molasses 

For the Brown Butter Vanilla Icing

  • 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar
  • 2-4 tbsp (30-60 ml) whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • holly sprinkles

Instructions
 

For the Spice Sugar

  • Add the sugar and spices to a small bowl. Whisk to combine then set aside.
    6 tbsp (75 g) granulated white sugar, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground allspice, 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp ground cloves

For the Chewy Ginger Cookies

  • Preheat the oven to 350 ℉ (175 ℃). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, baking soda and salt. Then set aside the flour mixture.
    2 1/2 cups (313 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, 2 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground allspice, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 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.
    2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar, 2-4 tbsp (30-60 ml) whole milk, 1 tsp vanilla
  • When the cookies are cooled, dip half of each cookie in the icing. Add holly or other Christmas sprinkles on top. Let the icing set, then enjoy!
    holly sprinkles
Did you make this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!