Ginger Chili Shrimp: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Imagine succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked and glistening with a vibrant sauce that balances the warmth of ginger with the fiery kick of chili. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.
The beauty of Ginger Chili Shrimp lies not only in its incredible flavor profile but also in its versatility. While the exact origins are debated, similar flavor combinations have been enjoyed across Asian cuisines for centuries, often featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.
What makes this recipe so beloved? It’s the symphony of flavors, of course! The sweetness of the shrimp, the zing of ginger, the heat of chili, and a touch of savory goodness all come together in perfect harmony. Beyond the taste, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether served over rice, noodles, or even as a flavorful appetizer. Get ready to discover your new favorite shrimp recipe!
Ingredients:
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick or 57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk, or more as needed for desired consistency
Making the Cookie Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures a consistent texture in your cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well combined. You want a smooth and homogenous mixture at this stage.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
- Divide and Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours. This chilling time is crucial! It allows the gluten to relax, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and also makes the dough easier to handle. You can even chill it overnight.
Preparing the Cinnamon Swirl
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until it forms a smooth paste. This is your delicious cinnamon swirl that will make these cookies taste just like cinnamon rolls!
Assembling the Cookies
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the chilled dough into a rectangle about 12×9 inches. Keep the remaining dough refrigerated while you work.
- Spread Cinnamon Filling: Spread half of the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the roll.
- Roll Up Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Seal and Chill (Optional but Recommended): Gently pinch the seam to seal it. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to slice the cookies cleanly. If you skip this step, the cookies might be a little misshapen when you slice them.
- Slice Cookies: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Repeat with Remaining Dough: Repeat steps 2-6 with the remaining dough and cinnamon filling.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sliced cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Baking the Cookies
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. You want them to be set but still slightly soft in the center.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps!
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Be careful not to create a powdered sugar cloud!
- Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You might need more or less milk depending on the humidity and the consistency of your cream cheese.
Frosting the Cookies
- Frost: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting. You can use a knife, a spatula, or a piping bag for a more decorative look.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies! They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s a delightful fusion of two beloved treats, bringing the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls to the satisfying crunch of a sugar cookie. Trust me, once you experience the melt-in-your-mouth texture and the swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness, you’ll understand why these cinnamon roll sugar cookies are an absolute must-try. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or simply a cozy night in.
But the best part? The possibilities are endless! While the recipe as written is pure perfection, feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations. For an extra touch of indulgence, try adding a cream cheese frosting drizzle after the cookies have cooled. A simple mixture of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk will do the trick. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate a hint of nutmeg or cardamom into the dough for a more complex flavor profile.
For a festive twist, consider using holiday-themed cookie cutters and decorating the cookies with colored sprinkles or edible glitter. Imagine serving these adorable little cinnamon roll sugar cookies at your next Christmas party they’re sure to be a hit! And if you’re looking for a fun activity to do with kids, this recipe is perfect. They’ll love helping to roll out the dough, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and cut out the cookies.
Serving suggestions? These cookies are fantastic on their own, of course, but they also pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They’re also a delicious addition to a dessert platter or a homemade gift basket. You could even crumble them over ice cream for a decadent sundae topping. Seriously, the options are limitless!
I truly believe that this recipe will become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. It’s simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious. The aroma alone, as these cookies bake in the oven, is enough to make your mouth water. And the first bite? Pure bliss.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these cinnamon roll sugar cookies. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do.
And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your baking adventures! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please share your thoughts, variations, and photos in the comments below. Did you add a special ingredient? Did you try a different frosting? Did you make them for a special occasion? I’m eager to learn from your experiences and see your creative interpretations of this recipe. Happy baking, and enjoy! Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help. I can’t wait to see your creations!
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe
Soft, chewy sugar cookies swirled with cinnamon and topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for a festive treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and sugars until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Gradually blend in the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Roll dough into 1 inch balls.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar. Roll the balls of dough in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are nicely browned. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For a festive touch, add red and green sprinkles before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a softer cookie, slightly underbake them.
Leave a Comment