Chewy Cranberry Gingers
Chewy cranberry gingers are spicy, sweet cookies with tart cranberry bursts, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy snacking, appealing to those who enjoy flavorful, textured treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, shortening, salt, egg, cinnamon, molasses, and ginger. Blend thoroughly.
- Stir in whole cranberry sauce until evenly distributed.
- Chill the dough for 1 hour or more.
- Shape the chilled dough into balls using a teaspoon.
- Place the dough balls on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from the cookie sheet immediately after baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider adding an extra egg yolk. If you don't have whole cranberry sauce, you can substitute with fresh cranberries or a homemade cranberry puree. Make sure to chill the dough properly to prevent spreading during baking. If you're looking for a spice boost, try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the ginger.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert. Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters, especially when combined with other festive treats like Soft Jumbo Raisin Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chewy Cranberry Gingers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chewy Cranberry Gingers contains roughly 191 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 10g fat.
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 butter instead of shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. However, using butter will yield a slightly different texture, making the cookies a bit crispier. If you prefer a chewier cookie, stick with shortening or use a combination of both.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, consider cutting back on the sugar by about 1/4 cup or using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. You can also increase the amount of flour slightly to balance the flavors and add more spices to enhance the overall taste.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and complement the flavors of the cranberries and spices. Just be sure to adjust the flour slightly if you add a significant amount of nuts to maintain the right dough consistency.
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).