Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and reach that perfect golden-brown color.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheets
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, natural cane sugar, and coarse turbinado sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should feel soft and airy.
Step 4: Add the Molasses and Egg
- Next, add the unsulfured molasses and beaten egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined. The molasses adds richness and a deep flavor.
Step 5: Incorporate the Gingers and Zests
- Now, fold in the freshly grated ginger, ground ginger, lemon zest, and optional orange zest. Mix thoroughly, allowing the wonderful aromas to fill your kitchen.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, baking soda, salt, ground star anise (or allspice), and optional ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 7: Add Crystallized Ginger
- Finally, fold in the finely chopped crystallized ginger. This adds a sweet surprise in every bite.
Step 8: Scoop and Bake
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
- Remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Enjoy them warm with your favorite beverage!
Notes
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft, refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and shapes up nicely.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to play with the spices. Mix in nutmeg or cloves for a different flavor profile.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated ginger packs more flavor than jarred. Plus, it gives you that lovely texture.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different. Start checking your cookies at the 10-minute mark.
- Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can last up to a week.
