Great-Aunt Ruth'S Favorite Gingersnaps
These spicy, chewy gingersnaps feature rich molasses and warming ginger, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with a classic, nostalgic flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift into a bowl the flour, baking soda, and ginger.
- Place the sifted dry ingredients to one side.
- In another bowl, cream the shortening and sugar.
- Blend in the beaten egg, molasses, vinegar, and cold water.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture and combine thoroughly.
- Shape the dough into cookies, place on baking sheets, and bake.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, ensure your shortening is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor slightly. You can also adjust the ginger to suit your taste, making it spicier or milder. If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful gingersnaps with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a festive touch, consider presenting them alongside a slice of Almond Glazed Poppy Seed Bread during the holidays or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gingersnaps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them crisp, place a slice of bread in the container; it helps maintain moisture balance. If you want to enjoy them warm, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great-Aunt Ruth'S Favorite Gingersnaps contains roughly 1590 calories, with 20g protein, 278g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (60% of the Daily Value), potassium (51% of the Daily Value), and iron (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2376mg per serving (103% 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 the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before shaping into cookies.
What can I use instead of molasses?
If you don't have molasses, you can substitute with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor and sweetness of the cookies, but they will still be delicious.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Gingersnaps are typically done when the edges are slightly firm and the centers appear slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool. For a crispier texture, bake them a minute or two longer, but be careful not to overbake.
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).