Granny'S Ginger Cakes(Cookies)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Granny's Ginger Cakes are spicy, aromatic cookies with rich ginger and cinnamon flavors, perfect for cozy gatherings or as a delightful treat for ginger lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 quart sour milk
  • 1 pint melted lard
  • 1 pint molasses
  • 2 pints sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 2 small jars ginger
  • 1 tablespoon allspice
  • 1 handful soda
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom
  • 2 or 3 eggs
  • flour (enough to handle)

Instructions

  1. Mix sour milk, melted lard, molasses, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, soda, cardamom, and eggs to form a very soft dough.
  2. Roll out the dough and cut into blocks or desired shapes.
  3. Place the cut dough onto baking sheets and bake at 450°F for 12 to 15 minutes until golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. If sour milk is unavailable, you can substitute with buttermilk or add vinegar to regular milk. To enhance the spice profile, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or replacing some ginger with fresh grated ginger. Remember to check the dough consistency; it should be soft but manageable.

Serving Suggestions

These ginger cakes pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a delightful twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. They also make a perfect addition to holiday dessert platters, complementing options like Chocolate Surprise Cake or other sweet treats.

Storage & Reheating

Store the ginger cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Granny'S Ginger Cakes(Cookies) contains roughly 1439 calories, with 22g protein, 264g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (60% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1903mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).

1439 kcal 72% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22g 44% DV
Total Fat 36.8g 47% DV
Carbs 263.8g 96% DV
Fiber 10.2g 37% DV
Sugar 18.5g 37% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1903.5mg 83% DV
Potassium 1828.9mg 39% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 149.3mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 45.3mg 50% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 784.8mg 60% DV
Iron 7.3mg 41% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
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 use a different type of fat instead of lard?

Yes, you can substitute melted butter or coconut oil for lard. Both will impart a different flavor and texture but will still work well in the recipe. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using vegetable oil, which can also help maintain moisture.

How can I make these cookies less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, try cutting back on the sugar by about one-fourth to one-third. You can also add a bit of lemon zest or juice to balance the flavors. This will give the cookies a refreshing taste and help offset the sweetness from the molasses.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, gradually add more flour until you reach a workable consistency. Be careful not to add too much at once, as it can make the cookies dense. Dust your work surface with flour to help with rolling and cutting the shapes.

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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