Molasses Gingersnaps

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Golden-spiced molasses gingersnaps offer a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with a crunchy exterior and chewy interior.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Crisco shortening
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 4 cups flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ginger
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening, sugar, eggs, and molasses together.
  2. Set aside.
  3. Sift together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  4. Mix dry ingredients with the creamed mixture.
  5. Roll into 1-inch balls.
  6. Roll in sugar placed on waxed paper.
  7. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets.
  8. Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer texture, consider reducing the baking time slightly or adding an extra tablespoon of molasses. If you're out of Crisco, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or margarine. To enhance the spice flavor, feel free to increase the ginger or cinnamon. For a fun twist, try adding chopped crystallized ginger for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

These molasses gingersnaps are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Joyce'S Pudding Cake for dessert. They also make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters, sharing the spotlight with other treats like Bunker Hill Gravy And Beef Chunks Minute Beef Stroganoff.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover gingersnaps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or until just warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Molasses Gingersnaps contains roughly 195 calories, with 1g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of potassium (14% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value).

195 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.8g 2% DV
Total Fat 4.8g 6% DV
Carbs 39.1g 14% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 30g 60% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 436.8mg 19% DV
Potassium 660.9mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 12.9mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.2mcg
Vitamin C 5.5mg 6% DV
Calcium 113.4mg 9% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for proper texture. The flavor will remain delicious, but the texture may vary slightly, so keep an eye on baking times.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

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

How can I make these gingersnaps spicier?

To add more spice to your gingersnaps, consider increasing the ginger and cinnamon by half a teaspoon each. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick. Experimenting with spices can personalize the flavor to your liking.

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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