Gingerbread Orange Spiced Cookies (5 days of desserts series: Day 2)

Five days of desserts: Day 2

Welcome back to my series of 5 Days of Desserts leading up to the holidays! Today, we are diving into a unique holiday treat - Gingerbread Orange Spiced Cookies. These cookies perfectly combine the warm spices of classic gingerbread with the bright, citrusy burst of orange marmalade - a combination that feels like Christmas wrapped up in a single bite!

You will love these cookies:

They are a unique twist on traditional gingerbread cookies. The soft, chewy texture pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart orange marmalade, and the dusting of powdered sugar gives them a snow-kissed, festive finish. Whether you're serving them at a holiday gathering or baking them for a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress!

The recipe:

This recipe starts with a simple gingerbread dough made from molasses, warm spices, and brown sugar for that deep, caramelized flavor we all associate with the holidays. Once baked, the cookies get a generous sprinkle of orange zest and powdered sugar. They are as delicious as they are pretty!

Tips for perfect cookies:

• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and keeps them soft and chewy. It makes it easier to work with, so do not skip this part. Chill for 30 minutes minimum, but longer is okay.

• No need to bake then fill: Sometimes thumbprint cookie recipes will have you bake before filling with jam. This recipe makes it easy as you fill the cookies before baking. This creates a warm, sticky center that pairs perfectly with the gingerbread flavors. We are going for a gooey textured center here, not necessarily the perfect thumbprint cookie.

• Use quality jam: A high-quality jam or marmalade will make a big difference in flavor.

How to serve:

These cookies are perfect on their own or paired with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even mulled wine. They also make a stunning addition to any holiday cookie platter or gift box!

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Gingerbread Orange Spiced Cookie Recipe

Yield: Approximately 24 cookies

Serving Size: 1 cookie

Ingredients:

For the cookie base:

• 2 ½ cup all-purpose flour (measured correctly)

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tsp ground ginger

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/3 cup molasses

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 orange

For the orange filling:

• 1/2 cup orange marmalade (or orange jam)

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For garnish (optional):

• Powdered sugar for dusting

• small orange zest curls

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and fluffy.

3. Add the molasses, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until well combined.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.

5. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 mins to make it easier to work with.

6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You may need to work in batches if your baking sheet isn't large enough.

7. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie.

8. In a small bowl, add the orange marmalade, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and vanilla extract until smooth & well combined.

9. Spoon about 1/2 tsp of the filling into each indentation of the cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just set. Avoid over-baking to keep the cookies soft and chewy.

10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool.

11. Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar and add a small curl of orange zest on top of each cookie for an extra flair.

Storage:

These cookies stay soft and flavorful if stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Tip:

For a bolder flavor: consider adding a few drops of orange extract to the dough along with the zest.

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Nutrition information per serving:

Calories: 120

Fat: 5g

Carbs: 18g

Protein: 1.5g

Weight Watchers points per serving:

5 points per cookie