Vegan Triple Ginger Lemon Cornmeal Cookies
Chewy slice-and-bake cookies combining three forms of ginger with bright lemon zest and cornmeal's subtle crunch. Built on refrigerated sugar cookie dough for convenience, these treats feature crystallized ginger pieces, fresh ginger, and ground ginger alongside toasted pecans. The cornmeal adds texture and a hint of corn sweetness that balances the spicy-sweet ginger trio. Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, afternoon tea, or when you want homemade cookies without starting from scratch.
Ingredients
- 1 roll Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough, 16.5 oz refrigerated
- ½ cup stone-ground or yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup pecans, finely chopped
- ½ cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped about 3 ozcandied orange peel1:1citrus
changes flavor profile completely
- 1 teaspoon gingerroot, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon peel, grated
- ¼ teaspoon Watkins Ground Ginger
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven and let cookie dough stand at room temperature to soften
- 2
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper
- 3
Break up cookie dough in large bowl and add all remaining ingredients
- 4
Mix with wooden spoon or knead with hands until well blended
- 5
Shape dough into log and cut into slices
- 6
Place slices apart on cookie sheet
- 7
Bake until center is set and edges are dry to the touch
- 8
Cool briefly then remove to cooling racks
- 9
Cool completely before storing covered
Tips
Let dough soften fully for easier mixing - stiff dough won't incorporate add-ins evenly
Use a sharp knife and clean between cuts to maintain clean slice edges
Store crystallized ginger pieces in flour before chopping to prevent sticking
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature up to 1 week
Shape logs and refrigerate up to 2 days before slicing and baking
Serve at room temperature with tea, coffee, or milk
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake or cookies become hard - centers should still look slightly underdone
Cut slices evenly thick to ensure uniform baking
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
use your favorite recipe
changes flavor profile completely
FAQ
Can I make these without the cornmeal?
Yes, but you'll lose the subtle texture and corn flavor that makes these unique. Substitute with equal amount flour if needed.
What if I can't find crystallized ginger?
Look in the baking aisle or spice section. As substitute, use dried ginger pieces or increase fresh ginger to 2 teaspoons.
How long do these cookies keep?
Store covered at room temperature for up to one week. They actually improve after a day as flavors meld together.