Ginger Snaps
Ginger snaps are crisp, spicy cookies bursting with warm ginger, cloves, and cinnamon flavors. Their delightful crackled surface makes them visually appealing, and they are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee. A nostalgic, flavorful cookie loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix shortening, sugar, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Add molasses and egg; mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add flour and soda, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into walnut-sized balls.
- Roll each ball in white sugar.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until cookies flatten and crack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you prefer a less spicy cookie, reduce the ginger and cloves to 3/4 tsp each. Ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you need a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut oil. These ginger snaps are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat alongside The Best Potato Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Ginger snaps make a delightful snack on their own or served with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or crumble them over a slice of Sour Cream Pumpkin Coffeecake. They also make great gifts when packaged in a decorative tin.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover ginger snaps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes, restoring their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ginger Snaps contains roughly 119 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 2g 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 fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can use fresh ginger, but you'll need to adjust the quantity. Generally, use about one tablespoon of fresh ginger for every teaspoon of ground ginger. Remember that fresh ginger has a different potency, so taste the dough to ensure the flavor is to your liking.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll into balls, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will help firm up the dough. Alternatively, you can add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
How can I make these cookies softer?
To make softer ginger snaps, reduce the baking time by a minute or two and ensure you don’t overbake them. For added moisture, you can also increase the molasses slightly. Remember that baking times may vary by oven, so keep an eye on them!
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).