Description
These sophisticated ginger biscuits offer a complex heat by pairing traditional warm spices with freshly ground black pepper. The melted butter method creates a dense, chewy interior protected by a delicate, crystalline sugar crust.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup finely snipped candied ginger
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Melt the butter over low heat until liquid, then remove from heat and stir in the molasses and vanilla extract; allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature.
- In a large glass bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and the full array of ground spices and black pepper for at least sixty seconds.
- Whisk the beaten egg into the cooled butter and molasses mixture until smooth, then pour into the dry ingredients and add the candied ginger.
- Use a sturdy spatula to fold the components together until just combined, then refrigerate the dough for exactly 15 minutes to allow for proper hydration.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and roll the chilled dough into consistent one-inch balls.
- Coat each ball thoroughly in granulated sugar, place on an ungreased baking sheet with two inches of clearance, and bake for 10 minutes until the tops crack and edges are set.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
To achieve the most consistent crackle pattern on your cookies, ensure your oven is fully preheated before the trays go in. Using a room temperature egg will help the emulsion stay stable when combined with the melted butter and molasses mixture, preventing any separation in the dough.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British