Green Mountain Gingersnaps
Ginger snaps with a rich molasses flavor and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat. The crisp exterior and soft interior make these cookies a delightful addition to any cookie platter, appealing to spice lovers and those who enjoy classic, flavorful baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening in a bowl.
- Add sugar, molasses, and egg to the creamed shortening.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
- Stir the sifted dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Dip each ball in additional sugar to coat.
- Place the coated balls 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
- Remove and let cookies cool; they will be soft initially but will firm as they cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, or a mix of both. If you prefer a spicier cookie, increase the ginger or add a pinch of nutmeg. Make sure your shortening is at room temperature for easier creaming. For a fun twist, try adding chopped crystallized ginger for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These gingersnaps are delightful on their own or paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters alongside treats like Prune Spice Cake or Cream Cheese Coffeecake. For a festive touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gingersnaps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Mountain Gingersnaps contains roughly 375 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1992mg per serving (87% 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 butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit softer. If you choose butter, use unsalted and ensure it's at room temperature for easier mixing.
How can I make these cookies softer?
To achieve softer gingersnaps, try underbaking them slightly, reducing the baking time by a minute or two. Also, ensure not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Can I add other spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding spices like nutmeg or allspice to enhance the flavor. Start with a small amount, about 1/4 teaspoon, and adjust according to your taste preferences for a unique twist.
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).