Zesty Lemon Ginger Cookies Recipe: Sweet Citrus Harmony

Crispy, chewy lemon ginger cookies dance with zesty brightness and warm spice in this delightful treat.

Fragrant ground ginger adds a subtle kick to each delectable bite.

Bright citrus notes mingle with sweet undertones, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Soft edges and crackly tops promise a sensational texture that’ll make you smile.

Simple pantry ingredients come together in minutes for these irresistible cookies.

Baking these will fill your kitchen with an incredible aroma that beckons everyone near.

You won’t be able to resist these mouthwatering morsels of pure joy.

How to Store Lemon Ginger Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture and zesty flavor.
• Place a piece of bread in the container to help keep cookies moist and prevent them from becoming too dry.
• Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months, preserving their delightful lemon-ginger taste.
• Reheat frozen or refrigerated cookies by warming them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or placing them in a preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes until they reach desired warmth and softness.

FAQs

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for the most vibrant flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s pure lemon juice without added preservatives.

• How do I know if the ginger is fresh?

Fresh ginger should feel firm, have smooth skin, and smell strong and spicy. Avoid ginger that looks wrinkled, soft, or has moldy spots.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

This recipe contains wheat flour, egg, and dairy, so it’s not gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free. People with these restrictions would need ingredient substitutions.

Lemon Ginger Cookies to Enjoy

• Burst with Zesty Flavor: These cookies pack a punch with bright lemon and warming ginger, creating a delightful taste explosion that dances on your taste buds.
• Quick Kitchen Triumph: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it a stress-free baking experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Versatile enough for casual family gatherings, afternoon tea, or a sweet afternoon snack that everyone from kids to adults will absolutely love.
• Mood-Lifting Goodness: The combination of citrusy lemon and spicy ginger provides a cheerful, comforting treat that lifts spirits and adds a touch of brightness to any day.

Ingredients for Lemon Ginger Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a crisp exterior with a soft interior.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brings bright, citrusy notes to the cookie.
• Fresh Ginger, Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, spicy, and aromatic depth to the cookie flavor.

How to Bake Lemon Ginger Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Mix these ingredients until they’re evenly combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become light and fluffy like a cloud.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Egg
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Ginger
• Vanilla extract

Stir until everything is well incorporated and looks smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough.

Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookie edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer cookies to a wire rack.

Let them cool completely before diving in and savoring these zesty, spicy treats!

Pro Tips for Lemon Ginger Cookies

• Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor that really makes these cookies sing.
• Grate fresh ginger instead of using powdered for a more intense, spicy kick that elevates the entire cookie.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a perfectly thick, chewy texture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, delicate texture.

Variations for Lemon Ginger Cookies

• Gluten-Free Citrus Ginger Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Zesty Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and maintain lemon and ginger flavors.
• Low-Sugar Ginger Lemon Cookies: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Spiced Citrus Cookie Variation: Add ground cardamom or cinnamon to enhance the warm ginger and bright lemon profile.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Ginger Cookies

• Zesty Tea Party Treat: Serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of chamomile or Earl Grey tea for a delightful afternoon snack that highlights the lemon and ginger flavors.
• Dessert Cheese Plate Companion: Pair these cookies with a soft cream cheese or mild brie, creating a delicious sweet and tangy combination that elevates your dessert presentation.
• Festive Holiday Gift Idea: Package the cookies in a cute mason jar or decorative tin, tied with a ribbon, for a homemade gift that spreads warmth and cheer during special occasions.
• Refreshing Summer Dessert: Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet for a quick and delectable summer dessert that brings a burst of citrusy ginger goodness.

Zesty Lemon Ginger Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon ginger cookies bring Mediterranean sunshine into classic cookie recipes. Crisp edges and tangy crumbs invite bakers to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for smooth cookie removal.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly blending the dry ingredients with a whisk.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes soft, airy, and pale in color.
4. Incorporate egg, freshly grated lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, zesty ginger, and aromatic vanilla extract, mixing until the ingredients are fully integrated.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
6. Delicately shape the dough into uniform tablespoon-sized spheres, positioning them evenly across the prepared baking sheet with slight spacing between each cookie.
7. Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indicator of perfect doneness.
8. Transfer the baked cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and develop a delightful crisp exterior.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother creaming and better cookie texture.
• Zest the lemon before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and minimize effort.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, adding xanthan gum for binding.
• Enhance ginger intensity by using freshly grated ginger root instead of ground ginger for a more vibrant, spicy profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 164 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 148 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 17 mg