Spiced Christmas Cookies with Candied Citrus Zest

Spiced Christmas Cookies with Candied Citrus Zest are a festive, aromatic treat that blends warming spices with the bright, refreshing flavor of candied citrus. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift giving, or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in the dough pairs beautifully with the sweet, tangy citrus zest. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon molasses
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (optional, for extra citrus flavor)

For the Candied Citrus Zest:

1 large orange (or lemon, or a mix of both)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Candied Citrus Zest:

Wash the orange (or other citrus) thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler or zester, remove the zest from the fruit in thin strips, avoiding the bitter white pith.
In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add the citrus zest to the syrup, and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zest becomes translucent and slightly softened.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the zest from the syrup and place it on a piece of parchment paper to cool. Reserve the syrup for glazing or other uses.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes using an electric mixer).
Add the egg, vanilla extract, molasses, and orange juice (if using), and beat until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.

3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes like stars, trees, or circles. You can also roll the dough into balls and flatten them slightly for a more rustic look.
Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, as these cookies are delicate.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Decorate with Candied Citrus Zest:

Once the cookies have cooled, top each one with a small piece of candied citrus zest. You can gently press the zest into the center of each cookie or sprinkle it on top for a festive touch.
For extra sparkle, you can drizzle some of the reserved citrus syrup over the cookies or dust them lightly with powdered sugar.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

These Spiced Christmas Cookies with Candied Citrus Zest are perfect for gifting or serving at holiday parties. They also store well in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Enjoy with a hot beverage, like mulled cider, tea, or coffee, for a cozy holiday treat!

Tips:

Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out and baking.
Citrus Variations: Experiment with different citrus fruits for the zest, such as lemon or grapefruit, to create unique flavor profiles.
Glaze Option: If you prefer, you can dip the cookies in a light glaze made from powdered sugar and a little orange juice instead of using candied zest.

These Spiced Christmas Cookies with Candied Citrus Zest are a wonderful way to add a touch of elegance and festive flavor to your holiday baking. The aromatic spices paired with the citrusy sweetness of the candied zest make them a memorable treat for anyone who tastes them!