Description
These sophisticated Black Pepper Ginger Cookies redefine the holiday classic by offering a perfectly soft, chewy texture that stays fresh for a full week. A blend of deep molasses and six warming spices creates a complex flavor profile balanced by a gentle heat from freshly ground black pepper.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Molasses
- Vanilla extract
- Large egg, beaten
- All-purpose flour
- Packed brown sugar
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground ginger
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Candied ginger, finely snipped
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cloves
- Ground cardamom
- Granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in the molasses and vanilla extract until glossy; allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom until well combined.
- Whisk the beaten egg into the cooled molasses mixture, then pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl.
- Add the snipped candied ginger and mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
- Refrigerate the dough for exactly 15 minutes to allow the fats to firm and the flour to hydrate.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball generously in a shallow dish of extra sugar.
- Place the balls on an ungreased baking sheet with 2 inches of space between them and bake for 10 minutes until edges are set and tops show cracks.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set their structure before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For the most vibrant flavor, ensure your black pepper is ground fresh just before mixing into the dry ingredients. If you find your dough is too soft to handle after the 15-minute chill, you can extend the refrigeration for another 5 minutes, but avoid over-chilling as it may prevent the signature cracking on top.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American