Grandma'S Ginger Cookies
Grandma's Ginger Cookies are classic, warmly spiced treats with bold ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar and molasses. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons, these cookies offer a comforting blend of flavors and a chewy, crispy texture that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the egg, brown sugar, shortening, and molasses.
- Add the salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, then mix well.
- Stir in the flour until the dough is smooth.
- Roll the dough into small balls, then roll each ball in sugar.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light. You can substitute half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist. If you want to spice things up, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper enhances the ginger's warmth. Make sure to roll your dough balls in granulated sugar before baking for a delightful finish.
Serving Suggestions
These ginger cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful dessert spread, consider serving them alongside Honey Coconut Divinity or Toasted Cheese Rounds. They also make a wonderful gift when packaged in a decorative tin, adding a personal touch to any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer them softer, you can place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Ginger Cookies contains roughly 983 calories, with 10g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1574mg per serving (68% 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 use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can use fresh ginger! Use about one tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for each teaspoon of ground ginger. Keep in mind that fresh ginger has a more potent flavor, so you may want to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to roll into balls. If it's still sticky after chilling, you can gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dough by rolling it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time without thawing.
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).