Cozy Up with Ina Garten’s Spicy Ginger Shortbread Recipe Today

Warm, buttery shortbread takes on a delightful twist with Ina Garten ginger shortbread that brings unexpected zest to a classic treat.

Her simple yet sophisticated approach turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

The hint of ginger adds a subtle warmth that dances across your palate with each delicate bite.

Rich, crumbly texture meets a spicy undertone that makes these cookies irresistibly unique.

Bakers looking to surprise their taste buds will love how effortlessly this recipe comes together.

The balance of sweet butter and sharp ginger creates a harmony that feels both comforting and exciting.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake a batch of shortbread that will have everyone asking for your secret.

Essentials for Making Ina Garten Ginger Shortbread

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar smoothly.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients like flour and salt.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll dough to an even 1/4 inch thickness.
• Baking sheet: Provides flat surface for baking shortbread cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Sharp knife or cookie cutter: Creates clean, uniform cookie shapes.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Prepare Ina Garten Ginger Shortbread

Ginger Shortbread Delight

• Butter Bliss

Grab your mixer and cream together softened butter and sugar until they dance into a fluffy cloud. Splash in a touch of vanilla for extra magic.

• Flour Power

Whisk flour and salt in a separate bowl, creating a soft, powdery landscape ready to transform into delicate cookies.

• Dough Creation

Gently fold dry ingredients into the buttery mixture, watching the dough come together. Sprinkle crystallized ginger pieces throughout, adding zesty bursts of flavor.

• Shaping Adventure

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, aiming for a smooth, even layer. Cut into delicate rounds or charming shapes that promise deliciousness.

• Golden Transformation

Slide your cookie sheet into a warm 350°F oven. Let the shortbread bake until edges turn a beautiful golden bronze, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Spice Ideas for Ina Garten Ginger Shortbread

• Use room temperature, high-quality unsalted butter for the richest, most tender shortbread texture that melts in your mouth.
• Experiment with different forms of ginger – fresh, ground, or crystallized – to create unique flavor profiles and add a spicy kick to your cookies.
• Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling to ensure clean, crisp edges and prevent spreading during baking.
• Keep shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer preservation without losing their delicate crumbly texture.
• Enhance the ginger shortbread by adding a light dusting of cinnamon, drizzling with dark chocolate, or serving alongside a warm cup of chai tea for an extra indulgent experience.

Serving Styles for Ina Garten Ginger Shortbread

• Serve with Afternoon Tea: Pair these ginger shortbread cookies with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a delightful mid-afternoon treat that feels elegantly British.
• Garnish with Candied Ginger: Top each cookie with a small piece of candied ginger just before serving to enhance the spicy-sweet flavor profile and add a decorative touch.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the shortbread alongside other delicate cookies, fresh berries, and a small dish of whipped cream for a stunning dessert presentation that will impress guests.
• Enjoy as Holiday Gift: Package these homemade shortbread cookies in a charming tin or clear wrap with a ribbon, making them a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for friends and family during festive seasons.

Save Ina Garten Ginger Shortbread for Later

• Refrigerate for Freshness: Store these delightful ginger shortbread cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them crisp and flavorful.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Carefully stack the cooled cookies between parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe container. They'll maintain their delicious taste for up to 3 months when frozen.
• Prep Ahead with Confidence: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for 2-3 days before baking. This technique allows the flavors to develop and makes last-minute entertaining a breeze.
• Room Temperature Revival: Let frozen or refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their perfect texture and bring out the warm ginger notes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 24

Ingredients in Ina Garten Ginger Shortbread

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation that creates tender shortbread texture with smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crisp, delicate cookie structure with gentle caramelization.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth and enhances overall flavor profile of the shortbread.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structural backbone of the cookie, ensuring perfect crumbly and delicate texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the complex flavor nuances in the shortbread.

• Crystallized Ginger: Introduces zesty, spicy warmth with subtle sweetness and unexpected texture contrast to classic shortbread.
• Extra Sugar (for sprinkling): Provides delightful crisp exterior and extra touch of sweetness with sparkling finish.

Buttery Ginger Shortbread Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s ginger shortbread delights taste buds with its perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Crisp, buttery cookies offer a sophisticated twist on classic shortbread that will leave guests craving more.

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Ingredients

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• ¾ pound (340 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 3 ½ cups (438 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup minced crystallized ginger (dried, not in syrup)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• sugar for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Whip butter and sugar in an electric mixer until luxuriously smooth and pale, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
2. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift flour and salt together, eliminating potential lumps and creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. Dough Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into butter mixture, creating a cohesive dough. Fold crystallized ginger throughout, ensuring even distribution of the spicy element.
4. Rolling and Cutting: Dust work surface with flour. Roll dough to precise 1/4-inch thickness, using steady, even pressure. Punch out uniform circular shapes with a cookie cutter.
5. Sugar Embellishment: Delicately sprinkle granulated sugar across cookie surfaces, creating a subtle, crystalline glaze.
6. Baking Process: Slide baking sheet into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake 20-25 minutes until edges transform into a delicate golden hue, signaling perfect doneness.
7. Cooling Technique: Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack, permitting complete cooling and texture stabilization.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect creamy texture, allowing smooth mixing with sugar.
• Ginger Distribution Technique: Finely mince crystallized ginger to spread flavor evenly, preventing large chunks in each bite.
• Rolling Precision Tip: Use consistent pressure when rolling dough to maintain uniform cookie thickness, ensuring even baking.
• Sugar Sprinkle Trick: Dust granulated sugar before baking for a delicate, sparkling finish that adds subtle crunch and sweetness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg