
These King Size Ginger Snaps offer a bold, spicy flavor and a chewy-crisp texture that makes them a standout among traditional cookies. The recipe, penned in neat cursive on a worn page, is characteristic of mid-century American baking. Made with warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, these cookies are ideal for holidays or cozy evenings. Their generous size and sugar-coated exterior give them a bakery-style appeal, while the molasses brings depth and chewiness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour (sifted)
- 4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ¼ cup molasses
- Additional sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
- Sift together the flour, ginger, salt, cloves, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Shortening and Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream the shortening. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Mix in the beaten egg and molasses until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine with Dry Ingredients
- Gradually stir in the sifted dry ingredients until a dough forms.
Step 5: Shape and Roll
- Shape dough into 1½-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring to wire racks.
Tips
- Roll dough balls in coarse sugar for extra crunch.
- Add 1 to 2 tsp grated fresh ginger for stronger spice.
- Chill dough 30 minutes if cookies spread too much.
- Substitute butter for shortening for richer flavor.
- Use a smaller scoop for more traditional-sized gingersnaps.
- Add a pinch of black pepper for a classic old-fashioned “snap.”
- Bake longer for crisp cookies; shorter for chewier centers.
- Drizzle with simple icing for a holiday cookie tray.
Nutrition
Calories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 156mgPotassium: 65mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg
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