Name: Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 170 g (6 oz or 1 1/2 sticks) butter, at room temperature; 150 g (6 oz or 3/4 cup) granulated sugar; 50 g (2 oz or 1/4 cup) brown sugar; 1 egg; 80 g (2 oz or 1/4 cup) molasses; 4 tsp grated orange zest (rind from one large orange); 12 g (15 ml or 1 tbsp) grated fresh gingerroot; 240 g (16 oz or 2 cups) all purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp salt; 55 g (2 oz or 1/4 cup) crystallized ginger, roughly chopped

If you adore cookies that bring a burst of warmth and zest with every bite, then this Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. These delightful treats offer a perfect balance of crunchy edges and a moist, chewy center, infused with the unmistakable warmth of ginger and cinnamon, beautifully brightened by fresh orange zest. Whether you’re baking for holidays, gifting friends, or simply craving a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies combine simple ingredients to create a flavor-packed experience that feels both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden surface with various baking ingredients neatly arranged. There are nine white bowls containing different ingredients: one bowl has an egg, another has cubed butter, one holds brown sugar, and another is filled with chunks of candied ginger. Two small green tins labeled cloves and cinnamon are placed in the middle. Additionally, there is a whole orange placed near the center, surrounded by a small white bowl with a beige paste, a bowl with salt, and one with baking soda. A glass bowl with white sugar and another glass bowl with flour are also visible. The overall setup is clean and organized with a mix of textures from powders to solid pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies Recipe is a breeze, thanks to its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the velvety butter lending richness, to the fragrant spices and bright orange zest that make every bite sing with flavor and color.

Butter (170 g / 6 oz / 1 1/2 sticks): At room temperature for creamy texture and moisture.
Granulated sugar (150 g / 6 oz / 3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps achieve that lovely crunchy edge.
Brown sugar (50 g / 2 oz / 1/4 cup): Brings a touch of caramel depth and chewiness.
Egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds richness.
Molasses (80 g / 2 oz / 1/4 cup): Imparts deep, robust flavor and a beautiful color.
Grated orange zest (4 tsp): Fresh zest creates a bright, citrusy pop.
Grated gingerroot (12 g / 1 tbsp): Delivers spicy warmth and a fresh zing.
All-purpose flour (240 g / 16 oz / 2 cups): The sturdy base for structure and chewy texture.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and develop lightness.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds sweet, spicy depth.
Cloves (1/2 tsp): Provides an aromatic warmth that enhances the spice profile.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and highlights the flavors.
Crystallized ginger (55 g / 2 oz / 1/4 cup, roughly chopped): Offers chewy bursts of spicy candied ginger in every bite.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup

Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a dream. Then, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, setting the stage for perfectly baked cookies with crisp edges.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter alongside granulated and brown sugars until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, giving your cookies an irresistible texture and sweetness.

Step 3: Add Egg and Flavorings

Next, beat in the egg until fully combined, then mix in molasses, freshly grated orange zest, and grated gingerroot. These ingredients unite to provide the signature warm spice and citrus tang that make this Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies Recipe so special.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices, so every cookie is perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture in two equal parts, beating well after each addition. Remember to scrape down the sides of your bowl and paddle to achieve an even dough that’s packed with flavor and ready for chilling.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until firm. Chilling helps control spreading during baking and enhances the texture of your Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies Recipe.

Step 7: Shape Cookies and Bake

Once chilled, form the dough into 1-inch balls, placing a small piece of crystallized ginger in the center of each for a delightful surprise. Arrange them on your baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are firm but the centers remain chewy. Finally, transfer the cookies to cooling racks to set perfectly.

How to Serve Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies Recipe

The image shows a baking tray lined with parchment paper holding a single layer of round, small, flat cookies. Each cookie has a light brown color with a slightly bubbly texture on top and a few small darker spots. They are arranged in neat rows, evenly spaced with some slight variations in shape. The surface under the tray is white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your cookies lightly with powdered sugar or a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate to add an elegant touch and enhance the sweet and spicy flavors. A fresh twist of orange zest on top can also intensify the citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, especially varieties like chai or Earl Grey, which complement the spices and citrus notes. A glass of cold milk or even a spiced mulled cider also makes a cozy accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies Recipe treats on a rustic wooden board alongside bowls of crystallized ginger and candied orange peel for a festive dessert platter. They also make charming edible gifts when stacked and wrapped in cellophane tied with twine or a colorful ribbon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them deliciously fresh for up to a week. Place a slice of bread inside the container to help maintain moisture and ensure those chewy centers stay perfect.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls before baking by placing them on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can bake fresh batches of Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies Recipe whenever the craving strikes, baking directly from frozen with just a minute or two added to the baking time.

Reheating

If your cookies have lost a bit of their warmth or softness, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes to refresh their crunchy edges and chewy centers. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies soggy quickly.

FAQs

Can I substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup?

Molasses gives these Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies Recipe their distinctive deep flavor and rich color, so substituting it with honey or maple syrup will alter the taste and texture slightly, but it’s possible if necessary. Expect a sweeter, less intense spice profile.

Is crystallized ginger necessary?

Crystallized ginger adds delightful chewy bursts of spicy-sweet flavor inside the cookies. If unavailable, you could omit it or replace with finely chopped candied ginger. Fresh grated ginger alone won’t provide the same textural contrast.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be a touch different but the flavors will remain just as vibrant.

How do I get chewy cookies instead of crispy?

For chewier Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies Recipe, avoid over-baking and consider slightly increasing the brown sugar for more moisture. Chilling the dough is also key to retain chewiness and prevent excessive spreading.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

To make this Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies Recipe vegan, use vegan butter and replace the egg with a flax egg or chia egg substitute. Molasses is naturally vegan, so the spice and citrus flavors will remain intact.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall in love with this Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies Recipe. The warm spices combined with fresh orange zest create a cookie experience that’s both comforting and vibrant. Whether you bake them for yourself or share them with loved ones, these cookies promise to bring smiles and a little spicy sunshine to any occasion. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!