Giant Gingers
Giant Gingers are large, flavorful ginger cookies with a spicy kick, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a warm beverage on cool days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cloves, salt, ginger, and cinnamon; set aside.
- Beat softened margarine, Crisco shortening, 1 cup of the granulated sugar, and the egg until fluffy.
- Add the dry ingredients and the dark Karo syrup; mix well.
- Roll the dough into balls.
- Roll the balls in the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and cinnamon.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh ginger instead of ground ginger. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. Ensure your butter and shortening are at room temperature for easier mixing, and chill the dough briefly if it's too sticky.
Serving Suggestions
These giant gingers are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cozy treat with tea or coffee. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience. They also pair beautifully with Lori Taylor's Chocolate Chippers for a cookie platter that everyone will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store the giant gingers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Giant Gingers contains roughly 162 calories, with 2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 5g 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 a different type of fat instead of margarine and shortening?
Yes, you can replace the margarine and shortening with an equal amount of softened butter or a vegan butter substitute for a non-dairy option. This will alter the flavor and texture slightly, but it will still yield delicious cookies.
How can I make these cookies spicier?
To increase the spice level, add an extra teaspoon of ground ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with adding a dash of black pepper for a unique twist that enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch, while chocolate chips will create a sweet contrast to the spiciness of the ginger. Just fold in about 1 cup of your choice of add-ins before rolling the dough 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).