More than any other time of the year, Christmas time inspires cookies. Every now and then, I bite into something that rocks my world. Several years ago, I was at a potluck where I bit into a soft chewy ginger cookie. My taste buds went wild! The daughter of the host had baked a platter of Soft Chewy Ginger Cookies and was graciously offering them to the crowd. 
Hands down, these are the best ginger cookies I’ve ever eaten.
Being the recipe scrounger that I am, I asked if she’d mind sharing with me.
“Absolutely!” she smiled. “It’s the first ginger cookie recipe on the Allrecipes blog”
I couldn’t resist putting my own spin on the original.
Given it’s the season, there’s something magical about the act of baking, packaging, and giving cookies that goes beyond the delectable taste – it’s about creating cherished memories and spreading love.
One of the best things about gifting homemade cookies is the personal touch that comes with each batch. Unlike store-bought presents, homemade goodies carry the essence of time, effort, and thoughtfulness. The recipient can feel the love that you put into your baking. It’s a lovely way of saying, “I care about you enough to spend time making you something special.”
The joy of giving homemade cookies also lies in the creativity it unleashes. From decorating sugar cookies with intricate designs to packaging them in festive boxes or jars adorned with ribbons, you have the chance to showcase your artistic flair. The act of creating a visually appealing package adds an extra layer of excitement, turning your cookies into an aesthetically pleasing gift.
Homemade cookies at Christmas often carry the weight of tradition and nostalgia.
Recipients might reminisce about the cookies their grandmother used to make or recall the joy of baking with parents during their childhood. It’s a beautiful way to connect generations, bridging the past and the present through the simple act of sharing a beloved treat.
The joy of giving homemade cookies at Christmas time goes far beyond just baking.
It’s a heartwarming tradition that embodies the true spirit of the season. It’s about love, togetherness, and the joy of creating lasting memories. So, this holiday season, why not spread the warmth by sharing a batch of homemade Soft Chewy Ginger Cookies with those you hold dear? After all, nothing says “Merry Christmas” quite like a plate full of freshly baked, made-with-love cookies.
Thanks for reading.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup margarine, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
¼ cup molasses
1/3 cup dried apricots, diced
¼ cup walnuts, chopped
¼ cup pistachios, chopped
¼ cup raisins
1/3 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons candied orange peel, chopped [optional]
2 tablespoons white sanding sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350*F
- Whisk together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, then the water and molasses.
- Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture.
- Mix in the dried fruit and chopped nuts.
- Scoop dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the 2 tablespoons of sanding sugar.
- Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto a parchment lined cookie sheet, and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 11 to 13 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
THE LOVE: As with any cookie, don’t overwork the dough. Mix until just well combined.
