Chocolate Ginger Zebras
Chocolate Ginger Zebras are delightful cookies featuring rich cocoa and warm ginger spices, perfect for holiday treats or cozy gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat sugar and 1/3 cup shortening until light and fluffy.
- Add cocoa, corn syrup, milk, and egg; blend well.
- Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves; mix well.
- Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate for 1 1/2 to 2 hours for easier handling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness of the chocolate. If you’re out of ginger, ground cinnamon can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will differ. When measuring flour, be sure to spoon it into the cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies. For a fun twist, you can also use a mix of vanilla flavored candy coating and dark chocolate for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Ginger Zebras are perfect as a standalone treat or alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with Honeyed Carrots for a delightful meal. For a festive presentation, drizzle additional melted vanilla flavored candy coating over the top or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, or serve them slightly warmed in the oven for a fresh-baked experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Ginger Zebras contains roughly 43 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 501mg per serving (22% 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 fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger. Use about one tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to replace a teaspoon of ground ginger. Just be mindful that fresh ginger has a stronger flavor, so adjust according to your taste.
What can I substitute for shortening?
If you don't have shortening, you can use an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil as a substitute. Both will give a similar texture, though butter will add a richer flavor to your cookies.
How can I make these cookies more chocolatey?
To increase the chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks into the dough before refrigerating. You can also use dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa for a deeper chocolate taste.
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).