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Lemon Iced Ginger Snaps
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 36 cookies
Calories 94 kcal

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
Keyword christmas cookies, ginger snaps, holiday baking, lemon icing, molasses cookies, old-fashioned recipe, spicy cookies, vintage
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