Name: Turmeric Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; 1½ tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup unsalted butter; 2¼ teaspoons ground turmeric; 1⅓ cups granulated sugar, plus more for coating; ¼ cup brown sugar, light or dark, packed; 2 teaspoons lemon zest (optional); 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 egg yolk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as golden as sunshine and bursts with earthy, surprising flavor, let me introduce you to the unforgettable Turmeric Cookies. These lovely bites marry the warmth of turmeric with a classic, tender sugar cookie base, offering a subtle spice and beautiful color in every chew. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or looking to wow friends with a unique treat, Turmeric Cookies are perfect for brightening any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Turmeric Cookies lies in their simple yet thoughtfully-chosen ingredients. Each one plays its part in creating a cookie that’s both craveable and comforting, from the luscious richness of buttery dough to the aromatic kick of turmeric and lemon zest.

All-purpose flour: The classic base for tender, sturdy cookies, helping the dough hold its shape.
Baking soda: Adds a gentle rise, ensuring the cookies aren’t too dense.
Baking powder: Lightens the texture for a softer bite.
Cornstarch: Secret weapon for a melt-in-your-mouth, delicate crumb.
Kosher salt: Balances sweet flavors and intensifies the turmeric’s subtle earthiness.
Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor; we brown it for extra depth and nutty notes.
Ground turmeric: The lively star, giving signature color and a faint, peppery zing.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and coats, for sparkle and that perfect cookie snap.
Brown sugar: A touch of molasses, adding chewiness and complexity.
Lemon zest (optional): Brings fresh brightness that sings alongside the turmeric.
Egg: Binds the ingredients and creates a plush texture.
Egg yolk: Extra richness for a denser, moist crumb.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, aromatic background.

How to Make Turmeric Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. This quick step ensures the leaveners and salt are evenly dispersed, which means your Turmeric Cookies will bake up flawlessly soft with every batch.

Step 2: Infuse the Butter with Turmeric

Melt your butter gently in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble at the edges, remove it from the heat and let it stand for a few minutes. Stir in the ground turmeric—watch that golden hue bloom! Give it a minute more; this infuses the butter deeply with both color and flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Pour your turmeric-infused butter into a large heatproof bowl. Whisk in both sugars and the optional lemon zest. Use a hand mixer (or a stand mixer if you prefer) for about 30 seconds, until everything’s beautifully combined and aromatic.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the egg, that extra yolk, and vanilla extract to your wet mixture. Blend until everything is just incorporated, making sure not to overmix—this is what keeps your Turmeric Cookies decadently soft.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl and mix at low speed (or use a spatula). Stir only until you see no dry flour—the secret is to stop right before overmixing so the cookies stay tender.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Scoop out the dough using a medium cookie scoop or a two-tablespoon measure. Place your dough balls side by side on a lined baking sheet—no need to space them out yet. Cover and chill for at least an hour (or even two) until they’re nice and firm; this lets the flavors deepen and helps maintain a perfect cookie shape.

Step 7: Coat and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line fresh baking sheets. Roll each chilled dough ball in extra granulated sugar, then arrange them about three inches apart on your prepared sheets. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes, until set. The golden color can make it tricky to spot doneness, but usually, 11 minutes is just right. Let them cool for five minutes before transferring to a rack.

How to Serve Turmeric Cookies

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt as soon as they come out of the oven, or dust lightly with powdered sugar for extra visual flair. If you want more aroma, a tiny scrape of extra lemon zest makes each Turmeric Cookie even brighter.

Side Dishes

These cookies are wonderful with an afternoon tea like chamomile or green tea, or served alongside fresh fruit for a light dessert duo. For a cozier treat, try them with a warm mug of spiced chai or golden milk—the turmeric will sing even louder!

Creative Ways to Present

Display Turmeric Cookies in a rustic basket lined with linen napkins for brunch, pack them in jars as homemade gifts (add a handwritten label!), or tuck them among other cookies on a vibrant dessert platter for a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, keep any leftover Turmeric Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay lusciously fresh for up to three days, though they rarely last that long in my kitchen!

Freezing

You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls. Store cookies in a zip-top bag for up to two months. For dough, freeze scooped balls on a tray, then transfer to a container—they bake up perfectly straight from the freezer, just add an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

If you love that out-of-the-oven warmth, pop cooled Turmeric Cookies in a 300°F oven for two or three minutes. This revives the flavor and makes the edges deliciously crisp again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh turmeric instead of ground turmeric?

It’s best to use ground turmeric for even color and flavor distribution. Fresh turmeric is more pungent and watery, which could affect both the dough’s consistency and the taste of your cookies.

Do Turmeric Cookies taste spicy?

No, they have a gentle warmth and earthiness, thanks to the turmeric. The flavor is subtle, not hot or overwhelming—instead, you’ll notice a rich, almost floral background note.

Why should I chill the dough?

Chilling firms up the dough so the cookies don’t spread too much in the oven, and it allows all the flavors—especially the turmeric and butter—to develop for even tastier cookies.

Can I skip the lemon zest?

Absolutely! Lemon zest is optional, but it adds a bright note that pairs beautifully with turmeric. If you prefer a more classic, cozy flavor, leave it out, and the cookies will still be wonderful.

Are these cookies healthy?

While Turmeric Cookies aren’t a health food, using turmeric does offer some antioxidant benefits. They’re still a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give these Turmeric Cookies a try. They’re the kind of treat that always sparks conversation and brings a bit of unexpected delight to the table. Happy baking and don’t forget to share the golden goodness!