Gingersnapscreston, Iowa

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Cuisine: American

Gingersnaps are crispy, spicy cookies with warm notes of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat with tea or coffee.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup light molasses
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Beat together sugar, butter, shortening, egg, and molasses.
  2. Add sifted dry ingredients all at once, mixing well.
  3. Roll into 1-inch balls and drop into a plate of sugar.
  4. Place 2 1/2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  5. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes or until top cracks.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer texture, consider using half butter and half shortening. You can also replace light molasses with dark molasses for a richer flavor. If you're out of molasses, honey or agave syrup can serve as substitutes, but they will alter the taste. Make sure to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading during baking.

Serving Suggestions

These gingersnaps are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Cool Waldorf Salad for a contrast of flavors. You can also use them as a base for ice cream sandwiches or crumble them over yogurt for a delicious breakfast treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover gingersnaps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. To enjoy them warm, reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for a few seconds until just warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Gingersnapscreston, Iowa contains roughly 1047 calories, with 18g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value) and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1692mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).

1047 kcal 52% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.5g 35% DV
Total Fat 40.3g 52% DV
Carbs 153.5g 56% DV
Fiber 4.1g 15% DV
Sugar 5.6g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1692.2mg 74% DV
Potassium 532.3mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 159.3mg 53% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 37.8mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 5.7mg 6% DV
Calcium 189.8mg 15% DV
Iron 7.1mg 40% DV
Contains Milk 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 gingersnaps gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with binding. Additionally, check that your baking soda is gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces of gluten.

How can I make these cookies spicier?

To add more spice to your gingersnaps, consider incorporating ground ginger or cloves into the dough. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger and adjust to taste. This will enhance the flavor profile and give you a more robust cookie.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your gingersnap dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to roll into balls. Alternatively, you can add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

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).

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