Spiced Aquavit Gingersnap Cookies with Candied Orange Peel
Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Spiced Aquavit Gingersnap Cookies that bring a touch of warmth to any occasion. Infused with aromatic spices like ginger, cardamom, and clove, these cookies are perfectly complemented by the zesty kick of candied orange peel. Each bite offers a balance of sweetness and spice, making them an ideal treat for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire. With a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center, these cookies can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later—if they last that long! A touch of sophistication is added by the inclusion of Aquavit, a traditional Scandinavian spirit, elevating these cookies to a new level of yumminess. Don’t forget to line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup, and serve these delicious morsels with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect pairing.
N/A
Servings
50
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Light Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Granulated Sugar
1 cup (divided)
Unsalted Butter
1 cup (softened)
Egg
1 (large)
Molasses
1/3 cup
Powdered Ginger
2 teaspoons
Cardamom Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Clove
1/2 teaspoon
Baking Soda
2 teaspoons
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
White Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
All-Purpose Flour
2 1/4 cups (sifted)
Candied Orange Peel
1 cup (coarsely chopped or finely chopped if preferred)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper for an easy release.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the light brown sugar, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3
Add the egg and molasses to the creamed mixture, mixing well until fully incorporated.
4
In a separate bowl, sift together the powdered ginger, cardamom powder, ground clove, baking soda, salt, white pepper, and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5
Gently fold in the finely chopped candied orange peel, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
6
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate until it is chilled (about 30 minutes). This will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
7
After chilling, shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll the tops of the balls in the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, coating them evenly.
8
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Do not overbake; the centers should be soft.
10
Once baked, use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
15g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Aquavit Gingersnap Cookies with Candied Orange Peel?
These are Scandinavian-inspired gingersnap cookies flavored with ginger, cardamom, clove, and white pepper, featuring a sophisticated touch from Aquavit and zesty candied orange peel.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How should I prepare my baking sheets for these cookies?
Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper to ensure an easy release and simpler cleanup.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Cream the light brown sugar, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter together for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How much molasses is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1/3 cup of molasses to be mixed with the creamed butter and sugar.
What spices are used in these gingersnaps?
The recipe uses powdered ginger, cardamom powder, ground clove, and white pepper.
Should I sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, you should sift together the powdered ginger, cardamom, ground clove, baking soda, salt, white pepper, and flour before adding them to the wet ingredients.
How do I incorporate the candied orange peel?
Gently fold the finely chopped candied orange peel into the dough at the end to ensure even distribution.
Does the dough need to be refrigerated?
Yes, cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape.
How large should the dough balls be?
Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls.
Should the cookies be rolled in sugar before baking?
Yes, roll the tops of the dough balls in the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to coat them evenly.
How far apart should I place the cookies on the sheet?
Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
What is the baking time for these cookies?
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
How can I tell when the cookies are perfectly baked?
The edges should be golden brown, but the centers should still be soft. Do not overbake them.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely after baking.
How many calories are in one cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 50 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 4g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these cookies?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein do these cookies provide?
Each cookie provides 1g of protein.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How much ginger is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of powdered ginger.
Is salt included in the ingredient list?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is included in the dry ingredients.
What is the purpose of the white pepper?
White pepper (1/2 teaspoon) is added to provide a subtle heat and complexity to the spiced flavor profile.
Can I use light brown sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar.
What type of butter should I use?
Use 1 cup of softened unsalted butter for the best results.
What egg size is needed?
The recipe uses 1 large egg.
How much baking soda is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of baking soda.
How should I chop the candied orange peel?
You can coarsely chop it, or finely chop it if you prefer a more subtle texture in the dough.
What should I serve with these cookies?
These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
What is the overall texture of the cookies?
They have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center.