Big Soft Ginger Cookies 🍪✨

These Big Soft Ginger Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any cookie lover! With their soft, chewy texture and aromatic spices, they’re great for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or simply as a tasty snack any day of the week. Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate comfort experience! ☕❤️

Ingredients

For the cookies

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup softened margarine (or butter)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons white sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.

   🌟 Sifting the dry ingredients helps to evenly distribute the spices and ensures a lighter cookie.

3. Cream the Fat and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened margarine and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses until well combined.

5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the sifted dry ingredients into the molasses mixture and blend until fully combined.

6. Shape the Cookies: Scoop the dough and shape it into walnut-sized balls. Roll each ball in the reserved 2 tablespoons of sugar and place on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly.

7. Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

   ⏰ Check them at the 8-minute mark for that perfect chewy texture!

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

9. Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness.

Tips for Success

• Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference. A bit of nutmeg or cardamom can add a lovely twist to the flavor!

• Dough Consistency: If your dough seems too sticky, add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it is easier to manage.

• Flat Cookies: For flatter cookies, you can slightly increase the baking time and press them down more before baking.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may change slightly but will still be delicious!

• Vegan Version: Replace the margarine with vegan butter, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).

• Add-Ins: Chopped crystallized ginger or chocolate chips make for great additions if you feel like getting creative!

Enjoy these delicious ginger cookies warmed with a mug of your favorite drink, and share the love with family and friends! 🍂💖