Lemon-Iced Ginger Snaps are a festive and zesty twist on the classic gingersnap cookie. Beloved for their spicy warmth from cloves, ginger, and cinnamon, these cookies also surprise with a bright lemon-flavored icing that balances the rich molasses base. Often baked around the holidays, their chewy texture and sparkling sugar topping make them perfect for gifting or snacking with a warm beverage. This 1984 vintage recipe reflects a charmingly simple, homemade approach to holiday baking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup soft vegetable shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (slightly beaten)
- ¼ cup light molasses
- Granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Lemon-flavored icing (for frosting)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients
- Sift together flour, salt, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and baking soda.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream the shortening until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar while beating.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- Blend in the egg and molasses.
Step 5: Combine
- Stir in flour mixture until fully blended.
Step 6: Shape and Roll
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar.
Step 7: Arrange and Flatten
- Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten with fingers and sprinkle more sugar on top.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
- Bake 6 to 8 minutes. Let stand 1 minute before removing to wire racks to cool.
Step 9: Frost and Store
- Frost cooled cookies with lemon-flavored icing. Store in tightly-covered container.
Tips
- Add finely grated lemon zest to the icing for stronger citrus flavor.
- Roll dough in coarse sparkling sugar for extra crunch.
- Substitute butter for shortening for a richer, softer cookie.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicier, warming ginger snap.
- Chill dough 20 minutes to make rolling easier.
- Drizzle icing instead of full frosting for a lighter version.
- Replace part of the molasses with honey for a milder sweetness.
- Add orange zest to complement the spices beautifully.
- For crispier cookies, bake 1 to 2 minutes longer.
Nutrition
Calories: 94kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 69mgPotassium: 46mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!