Christmas Cookies Recipes

Ginger Caramel Cookies Recipe

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by

Stefania Galatolo
in

As the snow gently falls and the festive lights twinkle, there’s no better way to embrace the spirit of Christmas than by baking a batch of heartwarming Ginger Caramel Cookies. These cookies are more than just a delightful treat; they are a festive tradition, weaving the rich aromas of ginger and caramel into your holiday memories. Each bite is a celebration of the season, a warm embrace of cozy comfort and joy. Let’s embark on this magical baking journey together, creating cookies that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also add a sparkle to your festive celebrations. This recipe yields approximately 30 cookies, perfect for sharing with loved ones during this most wonderful time of the year. 🎄🍪✨

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup molasses

For the Caramel Filling:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For Decoration:

  • White chocolate, melted (optional)
  • Festive sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Cookie Dough:

  1. Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This not only combines the ingredients but also adds air, making your cookies lighter.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the secret to a perfect texture.
  3. Add Egg and Molasses: Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined. The molasses adds a rich, deep flavor, essential for the perfect ginger cookie.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Shaping and Baking:

  1. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten them slightly.
  2. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should be soft in the center but firm around the edges.
  3. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Caramel:

  1. Combine Cream Ingredients: In a saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream without boiling.
  2. Caramelize Sugar: In another saucepan, mix sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and turns a golden amber color.
  3. Finalize Caramel: Carefully add the warm cream to the caramelized sugar. Stir in butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Let it cool until thickened.

Assembling the Cookies:

  1. Fill with Caramel: Once the cookies are cool, spoon a small amount of caramel onto the center of each cookie.
  2. Decorate: Drizzle with melted white chocolate and add festive sprinkles for a Christmas touch.

As you bite into these Ginger Caramel Cookies, let the flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and caramel dance on your palate, evoking the cozy, joyful spirit of Christmas. These cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of the season, a token of love and warmth to be shared with family and friends. May your home be filled with the sweet scents of baking and the laughter of loved ones as you enjoy these delightful cookies. Merry Christmas and happy baking! 🎄🍪🎅🏼