Cornish Fairing Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) golden syrup 1/4 cup (60ml) golden syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 17g, 9g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the golden syrup and orange zest to the butter mixture, and mix well.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
6. 6.
   Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
7. 7.
   Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on the surface.
8. 8.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Orange zest — Make sure to use organic oranges and wash them thoroughly before zesting to avoid any pesticide residue. Use a fine grater or a zester to obtain the zest, being careful not to include the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crunch, you can sprinkle some granulated sugar on top of the cookies before baking.
• If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, you can increase the amount of ground ginger in the recipe.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.
• These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift. Package them in a decorative tin or jar for a thoughtful present.
• If you don't have golden syrup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup.

Serving advice

Serve Cornish Fairing Cookies alongside a cup of English breakfast tea or a steaming mug of coffee. They are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet treat after dinner.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Cornish Fairing Cookies on a beautiful serving platter or a vintage cake stand. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also serve them in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for a more casual presentation.