Friday, October 22, 2010

12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies - Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies


I love ginger cookies and the spicier the better. It's one of those things I look forward to when December comes around.


However, this time, I decided to move away from my usual ginger cookie and try these instead - Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies.


I'm sure you've heard of these cookies, seen them on numerous blogs, and read countless rave reviews on them. Well, let me add my voice to all the others - these cookies are a definite must on your cookie platters. They're spicy, chocolatey, and when you bite into them, your teeth encounter a wonderful resistance from the sugar coating before plunging into the chewy depths within.


They're different from normal ginger cookies due to the addition of cocoa powder and chocolate chips.


The cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate flavor to the cookies and won't overpower the spiciness factor.

Then, you have all those wonderful chocolate chips scattered here and there, their flavor blending quite well with the ginger.






These cookies also have the addition of grated fresh ginger. I was worried about all the little fibers from the ginger, but do not fret, they somehow disappear and you won't even notice them.

I do recommend, however, that you let these cookies sit for at least a day before you eat them. I know, it's hard to wait that long. But waiting a day will significantly change your tastebuds' reaction to these cookies from a "meh" to a "WOW." The spices will become more pronounced and you'll be able to taste all that these cookies have to offer. Trust me, they'll still be nice and chewy the next day. What else can I say except, "Martha Stewart, you sure know your Christmas cookies."


Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies (adapted from Martha Stewart)

7 oz. best-quality semisweet chocolate (I used 1 c. chocolate chips)
1 1/2 c. + 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1/2 c. unsalted butter (I used margarine)
1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger
1/2 c. dark-brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. unsulfured molasses
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Chop chocolate into 1/4" chunks; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cocoa.

Cream the butter and grated ginger. Add the brown sugar and beat until combined. Add molasses; beat until combined.

In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in 1 1/2 tsp. boiling water. Stir into the butter mixture. Add the flour mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 325F. Roll the dough into balls, roll the balls in the 1/4 c. sugar, and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake about 18 min. until surfaces crack slightly.

Notes:
  1. Martha Stewart's website says that you should chill the balls of dough before rolling them in sugar. I skipped this step and it didn't seem to affect the cookies at all.
  2. I also flattened mine slightly since I noticed that I had baking globes instead of round cookies in my oven.
  3. Somehow or other, I also made a mistake and only added 1/4 c. molasses instead of 1/2 cup, and yet the cookies are still delicious and soft. So, I guess this recipe is a little forgiving, though I'll now have to go and try it as it's written to see if that really does make a difference.
Week 4 Twelve Weeks of Christmas:


52 comments:

  1. Gosh, what fabulous and delicious sounding cookies! They will definitely be making an appearance on my Christmas cookie platter!

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  2. Looks good! I love ginger too! This would be great with a cup of hot tea!

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  3. Everyone's posting Christmas things and it makes me sooo excited! These look super yummy. I can't wait to try them

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  4. Gingerbread cookies are my favorite too! I am the same as you; I look forward to them every year. I think adding chocolate and chocolate chips to them is just genius! They must be wonderful. Thanks for sharing them:)

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  5. Lisa, I actually haven't seen these before, but WOW! Chocolate chips in gingerbread cookies? I've bookmarked these and have to make them soon. I'm glad you mentioned about the fresh ginger, I would have been afraid of those fibers too. Great recipe, I can't wait to make these!

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  6. These cookies sound wonderful!Can't wait to try them!

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  7. Last year I discovered my LOVE of chocolate ginger cookies (I found the ones on Baking Bites). SO good. And I really thought I didn't like chocolate and spices together. I NEED these cookies right now! ;)
    Thanks for always faithfully coming to my blog and leaving comments. I'm desperately trying to catch up on my reader!

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  8. I think I would like anything with chocolate in it! I have never tried this combo..it sounds so interesting that I will have to give it a go!

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  9. They look great! I have only made gingerbread cookies once before but I will definitely have to try these this upcoming holiday season.

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  10. They look amazing! Chocolate in them too puts them over the top. What a great combo of flavors. (I love fresh ginger!) Thanks for the recipe. We'll be making these for sure!

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  11. You guys are killing me with all these cookie recipes! How's a girl supposed to lose weight with all this nummyness! Gingerbread are hubs favorites, especially with the chocolate they look awesome! Thanks!

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  12. Oh my, CHOCOLATE gingerbread? Love!!

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  13. This is not your run of the mill cookie. This is special. The idea of ginger and chocolate chips is astounding. Good job.

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  14. I've never made other gingerbread cookies but the very classical one. Of course, addition of chocolate can't possibly hurt them :)))

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  15. I must be the only one around that hasn't noticed this recipe before. I glad you posted it. Chocolate and spices - my favourite! These are definately a must have! Thanks!

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  16. Chocolate AND Gingerbread...Yum!!

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  17. mmmm I love ginger cookies too! Chocolate sounds like a tasty addition.

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  18. Chocolate and gingerbread..two of my favorites!! Yum!

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  19. I adore that spicy flavor you described! And the fact that these get better with age make them a great Christmas cookie - one that you can make ahead and know it's still going to taste good.

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  20. never heard of adding chocolate to ginger bread cookies..but i think it is a fantastic idea..your pictures tell the story!

    US Masala

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  21. Okay, you've convinced me; these are a MUST MAKE! Two favorite flavors in one! Your photos are beautiful too!

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  22. I love gingerbread ... am sure chocolate makes it even better!!!

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  23. How a X'mas would be without some ginger-flavoured cookies! I love these!

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  24. These look yummy!!! I love both chocolate and ginger!

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  25. I can't wait for the holiday season! I agree with Angie. What is Christmas without ginger flavoured cookies! Your cookies look amazing :)

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  26. Ooooh, gingerbread cookies are delicious enough on their own, but with chocolate, I bet they are absolutely amazing! Yummmmmm!

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  27. More yummy cookies. I love the pairing - chocolate & ginger! WOW!!

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  28. These look awesome and I am so happy b/c i havent see them onany other blogs yet. I cant wait to try them bc they are my favorite cookie...next to cc of course. Have you tried the ATK recipe? I have on my blog... with the dark rum glaze..they are my absolute favorite!

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  29. I love traditional ginger cookies. Your praise tempts me to try these out!

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  30. These cookies are awesome! I am going to try them for sure since I was actually looking for a ginger spicy cookie. I have a recipe for shortbread with fresh ginger and it just adds the extra kick. I love it! BTW, I saw that you made a little mistake in the recipe, which makes these cookies perfect for my carnival.
    http://sickofood.blogspot.com/2010/10/monthly-food-disaster-last-chance-and.html

    it would be great if you could post this or another recipe. In any case, thanks for stopping by!

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  31. Oh, me too! Ginger cookies are one of my absolute favorites :D

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  32. Thanks for stopping by my blog :)! Your cookies look wonderful, and chocolate and ginger sounds like a heavenly combo! I bet these were delicious :)!

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  33. Oh my Lisa! These cookies look just wonderful! LOVE the idea of combining the chocolate in a ginger cookie....super yum!

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  34. They look great Lisa! I've tried crystallized ginger coated in chocolate before and it's pretty good. I bet the cookies taste great. Don't eat them all yourself!!! ;)

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  35. Yum! I love the combo of chocolate and ginger. These look wonderful.

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  36. What a great flavor combination. Those cookies wouldn't last long in my house!

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  37. Hi, Lisa. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Do you speak Portuguese?

    I really like those cookies. Look so yummy.

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  38. Hy Lisa,

    first time here...amazed with your recipe collections...excellent clicks with lovely writeup...

    wish to visit often...

    do drop in at my space sometime..

    cheers,
    Jay

    Tasty Appetite

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  39. Que legal que você fala português Lisa! Você esteve no Brasil ou recebeu uma brasileira por intercâmbio?
    Com certeza vou fazer essa bolacha, pois meu namorado adora gengibre!

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  40. Hi,

    Nice collection of yummy cookies...:)

    Dr.Sameena@

    www.myeasytocookrecipes.blogspot.com

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  41. I love these 12 weeks of Christmas cookies posts - I find so many good ideas! I actually made these cookies last year and they tasted great. Yours look a lot better than my did though - mine were so flat. I think I'm going to replace my baking soda/powder before I start Christmas baking this year

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  42. wow Christmas already here wonderful and i love ginger bread cookies, they look awesome. Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your kind words of appreciation Lisa wonderful to be on ur blog, want to follow ur blog seems like Google connect doesn't want to work :(

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  43. Hi! I have a blog award for you if you would like to stop by my blog, when you have time. :)

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  44. Wow, I had not realized we are getting this close to Christmas. Your blog will certainly help me decide which cookies to bake this year. Thanks for stopping by Sweet Almond Tree!

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  45. Great combo and looks delicious, must try this sometime...

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  46. I don't know how I've missed these on other blogs. They sound fabulous and a must try.

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  47. Ginger and chocolate- great combination of flavors in a holiday cookie. I think you described and photographed your lovely cookies very well. I like the way you've started your Christmas baking countdown, it's inspiring me to do the same as cookie baking is also one of my favorite things to do in the kitchen:) PS. Lisa, thanks for visiting my blog:)

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  48. I haven't seen this version, but I love ginger cookies. Will have to try them with the chocolate sometime!

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  49. I love ginger cookies especially at this time of year. I've never had the combo of ginger and chocolate but your cookies look great.

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  50. Chocolate and gingerbread sound like such a great combination! What a wonderful idea.

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