Blue Ribbon Gingersnaps(Maryland State Fair 1St Place Winner)
Crispy, spicy gingersnaps with a rich molasses flavor, perfect for holiday treats or cookie exchanges, appealing to those who love warm, bold spices and classic cookie crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the Crisco, brown sugar, egg, and molasses together until smooth.
- Mix the remaining ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Combine the dry mixture with the creamed mixture until well blended.
- Cover and chill the dough for 1 hour or overnight.
- Shape the chilled dough into balls and roll them in sugar.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If you're out of Crisco, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid overly rich cookies. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly; this step is crucial for controlling the spread of the cookies while baking. Using fresh spices will enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
These gingersnaps are delightful on their own or paired with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Sherry Pecan Cake during holiday gatherings. They also make a great addition to a cookie platter or as a unique treat for a cookie swap.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gingersnaps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them in a zip-top bag. To reheat and restore their crispiness, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blue Ribbon Gingersnaps(Maryland State Fair 1St Place Winner) contains roughly 264 calories, with 3g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1726mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. However, ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to achieve the desired texture. The cookies may spread more, so chilling the dough is even more important.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for an additional 30 minutes. You can also dust your hands with flour when shaping the cookies to prevent sticking. If needed, add a tablespoon of flour gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
How can I make these gingersnaps spicier?
To increase the spice level, you can add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of ginger or cinnamon, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. Adjusting the spices allows you to customize the flavor to your liking without compromising the overall recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).