Giant Ginger Cookies
Giant Ginger Cookies are hearty, spicy treats with bold ginger and cinnamon flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with a warm cup of tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat shortening until softened.
- Gradually add 2 cups sugar; beat until fluffy.
- Add eggs and molasses; beat well.
- Add half of the flour mixture; beat until combined.
- Stir in remaining flour with a wooden spoon.
- Using a 1/4-cup ice cream scoop, shape dough into 2-inch balls.
- Roll the dough balls in coarse or granulated sugar.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheet about 2 1/2 inches apart.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes or until light brown and puffed.
- Let stand 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier cookie, increase the ginger to 5 teaspoons or add a pinch of ground black pepper. If you prefer a softer texture, consider substituting half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce or using butter. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. If you want to make the cookies smaller, decrease the scoop size and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
These Giant Ginger Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a slice of Cheesecake Mincemeat Pie during the holidays. They make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative boxes for friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or bake at 300°F for about 5 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Giant Ginger Cookies contains roughly 221 calories, with 3g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% 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 a different type of fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter or coconut oil for the shortening, which will give the cookies a richer flavor. Keep in mind that using butter may result in a slightly flatter cookie, while coconut oil may impart a subtle coconut flavor.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle. You can also add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Just be cautious not to add too much flour, as it can affect the texture.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can create a delicious contrast to the spices. Fold in about 1 to 2 cups of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips along with the flour mixture for a delightful variation on the classic Giant Ginger Cookies.
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).