Spicy Orange Ginger Cookies

The idea of blending sweet and spicy flavors in baking is as old as time, but the Zesty Heatwave Cookies take this concept to new heights. The inspiration for these cookies came from a love of contrasting tastes—where sweetness meets a fiery edge. Citrus fruits, particularly oranges, have long been celebrated in baking for their ability to brighten flavors and add a refreshing element to desserts. Meanwhile, spices like ginger and cayenne pepper have found their way into sweet recipes, transforming ordinary cookies into extraordinary treats.

Discover the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with Zesty Heatwave Cookies! These homemade treats feature bright orange zest, warming ginger, and a surprising kick of cayenne pepper that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for gatherings or as a treat for yourself, these cookies offer a refreshing twist on traditional recipes. Explore the step-by-step guide to create these flavorful delights and let the joy of baking fill your home. Enjoy a burst of sunshine in every bite!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

1 tbsp fresh orange zest

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1 tbsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup crystallized ginger, chopped

1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Set this mixture aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Wet Ingredients: Add in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Ginger and Chips: Use a spatula to gently fold in the chopped crystallized ginger and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed in the dough.

Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but slightly soft.

Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the warm, spicy goodness!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 30 minutes | Approximately 24 cookies