Orange zest boosts the flavor of these ginger-spice cookies

Supersoft and chewy on the inside, these bold Orange Spice Crackle Cookies sport a crispy and crackly exterior, making the texture as interesting as taste.

Think gingersnaps on steroids – not because of their size, but because of their big flavor.

Orange zest enhances the recipe. The original version called it optional, but consider it necessary – maybe even adding a little extra for more of a zing.

Warming spices also enhance these cookies – clove, allspice, cinnamon and, of course, ginger. These make them seem perfect for fall or winter. But the citrus gives these cookies a certain brightness that might make you want to bake them year-round.

They’re rather humble-looking on a cookie tray, reminiscent of Grandma’s molasses cookies or gingersnaps. But you can dress them up with large and sparkly sugar crystals such as turbinado, demerara or muscovado.

Orange Spice Crackle Cookies

Adapted from crosbys.com

3 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Grated zest of 1 orange, plus more to taste

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1/2 cup molasses

1 teaspoon vanilla

Sugar for rolling

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl combine flour, spices, baking soda and orange zest. In a large bowl cream together butter and sugar. Add egg, molasses and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients and mix until combined. Form into 1 1/2-inch balls and roll in sugar. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until set.