Soft Ginger Drop Cookies
Soft Ginger Drop Cookies are warmly spiced, chewy treats with rich ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy snacking with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine shortening, sugar, egg, and molasses in a mixing bowl.
- Mix well until smooth.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with boiling water, stirring until smooth after each addition.
- Drop teaspoonfuls of batter onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Bake in a moderate hot oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Frost the cookies while still warm with Lemon Butter Icing.
Tips & Substitutions
For softer cookies, avoid overbaking; check them at 8 minutes. If you want a spicier flavor, consider adding more ginger or a pinch of ground black pepper. You can substitute half of the shortening with butter for a richer taste. If you don't have molasses, dark corn syrup can work in a pinch, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These Soft Ginger Drop Cookies are delightful on their own but are even better when paired with a cup of tea or coffee. They can also complement a dessert platter alongside other treats like the Apple-Cinnamon Coffee Cake. For added indulgence, frost them with Lemon Butter Icing while still warm for a zesty finish.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soft Ginger Drop Cookies contains roughly 379 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure to bring the dough to room temperature before dropping it onto the cookie sheet for even baking.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you're looking for a substitute for shortening, you can use an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. This will add a different flavor and richness to the cookies. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but they'll still be delicious.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, these cookies freeze very well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
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).