Giant Gingersnaps
Giant gingersnaps are large, spicy cookies with warm ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea or milk.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cloves; set aside.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter, 1 cup of sugar, and egg until fluffy, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Beat in the dark corn syrup at low speed until well combined.
- Add the flour mixture and grated ginger to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Refrigerate the dough until it is easy to handle, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two large cookie sheets and set aside.
- Take small pieces of dough, roll into balls, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture (cinnamon plus 1/4 cup sugar).
- Place the dough balls 2 to 3 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Cool the cookies on wire racks before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a touch of ground nutmeg or allspice to the dough. If you don't have fresh ginger, you can substitute 1 tsp. of ground ginger. Make sure to refrigerate the dough long enough to make rolling easier; this step is crucial for achieving the right texture. For a fun twist, roll the dough balls in a mixture of sugar and chopped nuts before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These giant gingersnaps are delicious on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a delightful dessert, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or crumbled over a bowl of fresh fruit. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters, alongside other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gingersnaps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Giant Gingersnaps contains roughly 145 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make these gingersnaps gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to mimic the texture of traditional flour. The other ingredients should remain the same, ensuring the flavor is intact.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, you can add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Alternatively, you can chill it longer in the refrigerator, which helps firm it up for easier handling.
Can I add more spices for a stronger flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to increase the amounts of cinnamon and ginger to suit your taste. You could also add a pinch of black pepper for an unexpected depth or include some finely chopped crystallized ginger for added texture and flavor.
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).