Mrs. Hansen’s Ginger Cookies are a warm, spiced classic that blend the richness of molasses with the cozy notes of ginger and cinnamon. These cookies are tender and slightly chewy, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. The recipe reflects a timeless American tradition of spiced cookies, reminiscent of old-fashioned holiday baking. What makes them unique is the dark molasses paired with brown sugar, giving them depth and a hint of nostalgia. Finished with a simple yet glossy egg-white frosting, these cookies are perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup dark molasses
- 4 cups flour
- 2 ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
Frosting:
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tsp milk
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Cookies
Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugar
- Cream butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Molasses
- Mix in dark molasses until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
Step 4: Mix Dough
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until dough forms.
Step 5: Divide & Chill
- Divide dough in half. Chill for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Roll & Cut
- Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
Step 7: Bake
- Place cookies on greased or parchment-lined sheets. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Frosting
Step 8: Beat Base
- Beat egg whites and milk until foamy.
Step 9: Add Sugar
- Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 10: Frost Cookies
- Spread or pipe onto cooled cookies.
Tips
- Chill the dough as written to make rolling easier and to help cookies hold their shape.
- Roll dough to the noted 1/8-inch thickness for crisp, light cookies; thicker rolling will yield softer cookies.
- Lightly flour the rolling surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
- For stronger spice flavor, increase ginger or cinnamon slightly according to taste.
- Bake one test cookie first to check spread and adjust thickness or time if needed.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting so the icing sets properly.
- Add a few drops of vanilla or almond extract to the frosting for flavor variation.
- Decorate frosted cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles for holidays.
- Store in an airtight tin to maintain crisp texture; add a slice of apple if you prefer them softer.
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 90IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.8mg
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