Orange Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger Recipe
Introduction
These Orange Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger offer a bright citrus flavor balanced by warm ginger spice. Their crisp edges and tender centers make them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 1 portion (370g) Basic Cookie Dough Recipe
- 3 ounces (85g) crystallized ginger, finely diced
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3 tablespoons white coarse sanding sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Break the basic cookie dough into pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Let the dough sit and soften slightly to make mixing easier.
- Step 2: Add the finely diced crystallized ginger and orange zest to the dough. Mix gently and evenly, being careful not to overhandle the dough.
- Step 3: Shape the dough into a smooth log about 7 inches long and 2 inches wide.
- Step 4: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator until firm, about 3 hours.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 6: Unwrap the chilled dough log and slice it into ⅜-inch thick rounds.
- Step 7: Roll the edges of each cookie slice in the coarse sanding sugar, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 8: Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, until the edges look set and the centers are lightly golden.
- Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra zing, try adding a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger along with the crystallized ginger.
- Use finely chopped candied orange peel instead of orange zest for a sweeter orange flavor.
- If you prefer softer cookies, reduce baking time by a minute or two and watch closely.
Storage
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh crispness, warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ginger instead of crystallized ginger?
Fresh ginger can be used but will give a sharper, less sweet flavor and may affect the cookie’s texture. Crystallized ginger adds both sweetness and chewiness, which complements the dough well.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to slice and helping the cookies hold their shape during baking for a better texture.
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Orange Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Orange Ginger Cookies with Crystallized Ginger combine zesty orange zest and spicy crystallized ginger for a delightful twist on classic cookie dough. Softened and chilled before baking, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and warm ginger flavor, finished with a crunchy sugar coating for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 portion (370g) Basic Cookie Dough Recipe
Flavorings and Coating
- 3 ounces (85g) crystallized ginger, finely diced
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3 tablespoons white coarse sanding sugar
Instructions
- Make the Dough Log: Break the basic cookie dough into pieces and place it in a mixing bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, which makes mixing easier.
- Add Ginger and Orange Zest: Incorporate the finely diced crystallized ginger and orange zest evenly into the dough, mixing gently to avoid overhandling.
- Shape the Dough: Form the dough mixture into a smooth, even log measuring approximately 7 inches long and 2 inches wide.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours, to help maintain its shape when slicing.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice the Dough: Unwrap the chilled dough and slice it into 3/8-inch thick rounds for consistent baking.
- Coat in Sugar: Roll the edges of each cookie slice in the white coarse sanding sugar, then place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until the edges appear set and the centers turn lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to rest for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve or Store: Serve the cookies on a platter or store them in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Allowing the dough to chill thoroughly is crucial for neat slices and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Using coarse sanding sugar adds a pleasant crunch and shimmer to the cookies’ edges.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to preserve their crispness and flavor.
- You can substitute basic cookie dough with a similar butter-based dough if unavailable.
- If crystallized ginger is too spicy, reduce the quantity to taste for a milder ginger flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: orange ginger cookies, crystallized ginger cookies, spiced cookie recipe, holiday cookies, baking, orange zest cookies

