Ginger Puffs
Ginger Puffs are chewy, spicy cookies with a rich molasses flavor and a hint of ginger, perfect for those who enjoy classic, warmly spiced treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the baking soda into the boiling water and stir to dissolve.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, egg, melted shortening, ginger, molasses, and the hot water with dissolved baking soda.
- Gradually add flour to the mixture until the dough is firm enough to handle.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. Make sure to add flour gradually to achieve a firm dough; it should be slightly sticky but manageable. If the dough is too sticky, dust your hands with flour while shaping.
Serving Suggestions
These Ginger Puffs are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For an extra special touch, serve them alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They can also complement a holiday dessert table featuring other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Ginger Puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their freshness and crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ginger Puffs contains roughly 452 calories, with 5g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (27% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1832mg per serving (80% 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 make these Ginger Puffs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can enhance the flavors as the dough rests. Just make sure to allow it to come to room temperature before baking for best results.
What can I use instead of molasses?
If you don't have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or honey, though the flavor will differ slightly. For a healthier alternative, consider using maple syrup, which will give a unique twist to the Ginger Puffs.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. However, it may yield a denser texture, so you might need to adjust the amount of flour to achieve the desired consistency for the dough.
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).