Big Softie Ginger Cookies (03/30/12)

So, I think it’s pretty safe to say I am obsessed with the Hunger Games.

Loved the books so much I own “real” books and the kindle versions, saw the movie twice so far (there is way more to come – Seriously, Peeta, *Swoon*), ordered a couple t-shirts, and I can’t get enough of the Un-Official Cookbook. I want to make every recipe in there. Well, maybe not the ones that involve squirrel.

I might need an intervention.

But first we will have cookies.

Big Softie Ginger Cookies, from the un-Official Hunger Games Cookbook

These cookies are soft and chewy and wonderful ginger/spice flavor. Not to mention they smell amazing!

Here’s the recipe straight from the book:

“This is a cookie that is as soft and gooey as Peeta’s affection for Katniss, and is likely one Katniss has smelled during her many walks by the bakery. (The Hunger Games, Chapter 4)”

Yields 2 dozen cookies

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp orange juice

1/4 cup molasses

4 tbsp white sugar

Tips from your sponsor:

There’s a reason for every step in this recipe! The tablespoon of orange juice helps bring out the ginger flavor. Meanwhile, because the molasses tends to make the dough sticky, refrigerating the dough makes it easier to shape into balls before rolling in sugar and baking.

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. In a large bowl sift together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, 1/2 cup white sugar and the brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla, then stir in the orange juice and molasses. Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. Chill the dough for 1 hour in the refrigerator.

4. Place the 4 tbsp of white sugar in a small bowl. Shape chilled dough into gumball-sized balls, and roll them in sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on un-greased cookie sheets.

5. Bake 8-10 minutes in preheated oven. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy! And if you are a fan of the movie and of baking, you should get the cookbook (no they are not sponsoring this post). Not only is it fun to capture some of your favorite moments from the Hunger Games trilogy with food, but some of the recipes are amazing! Like these cookies. And the Chocolate cake.

And the Honey, Goat Cheese and Apple Tart from the Mellark Family Bakery. Oh, I am so making that today!

Yep, definitely need an intervention.

~ Sandy