Ginger Cream Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Ginger Cream Cookies offer a delightful combination of warm spices and rich molasses flavor, complemented by a creamy frosting. Perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy gatherings, these cookies are crispy on the edges with a tender center and a sweet-spicy kick that appeals to all ages.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup soft shortening
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Mix the shortening, sugar, egg, molasses, and water together until well combined.
  2. Stir in all dry ingredients—flour, soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon—until the dough is smooth and uniform.
  3. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  4. Drop teaspoons of dough onto a cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart.
  5. Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 6 to 8 minutes, just until the cookies are set.
  6. While still warm, frost the cookies with Coffee Cream Frosting.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have molasses, honey or maple syrup can work as substitutes, but the flavor will change slightly. Make sure to chill the dough properly; this helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch more ginger or cinnamon.

Serving Suggestions

These Ginger Cream Cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Easy Caramel Sauce for dipping or drizzle. They also make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters and can be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ginger Cream Cookies contains roughly 102 calories, with 1g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

102 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.6g 1% DV
Total Fat 2.1g 3% DV
Carbs 21.2g 8% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 15.2g 30% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 102.6mg 4% DV
Potassium 339.1mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 6.5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.9mcg
Vitamin C 2mg 2% DV
Calcium 61.7mg 5% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture. The cookies may have a slightly different consistency, but they will still taste great.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?

If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also substitute half the sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol, keeping in mind that this may affect texture and flavor. Taste the dough before baking to ensure it meets your sweetness preference.

What can I use instead of shortening?

If you'd like to avoid shortening, you can use unsalted butter or coconut oil as a substitute. Each option will impart a different flavor to the cookies, with butter adding richness and coconut oil adding a subtle tropical note. Just make sure the butter is softened for easy mixing.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →