Donna'S Ginger Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Donna's Ginger Cookies are spicy, sweet treats with warm ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, perfect for holiday baking or cozy gatherings with friends and family.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup shortening
  • 1 egg
  • 4 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ginger

Instructions

  1. Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger) and mix into the remaining ingredients.
  2. Form the dough into small balls the size of hickory nuts.
  3. Roll each ball in sugar.
  4. Place the cookies on a greased cookie sheet.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 25 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with butter. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of spices. If you don't have molasses, honey can be used as a substitute, although it will slightly alter the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These ginger cookies are delightful on their own but can be served with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. For an extra touch, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve alongside a slice of Nutty Peach Crisp(12 To 15 Servings) for a comforting dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies 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 bag for up to three months. To reheat, bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Donna'S Ginger Cookies contains roughly 1281 calories, with 4g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 123g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1503mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).

1281 kcal 64% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.7g 7% DV
Total Fat 123.4g 100% DV
Carbs 45.2g 16% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 2.2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1502.9mg 65% DV
Potassium 331.2mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 116.2mg 39% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.5mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 4.7mg 5% DV
Calcium 132.2mg 10% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 instead of regular flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend specifically designed for baking. Make sure to check if the blend contains xanthan gum, as this helps create the right texture in baked goods.

How can I make these cookies less spicy?

To reduce the spice level, you can decrease the amount of ginger, cloves, and cinnamon by half. Consider adding a bit of vanilla extract to balance the flavors without adding more heat.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can also help firm it up before rolling into balls.

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).

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