Nothing says the holiday season quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked gingersnaps wafting through the kitchen. These soft gingersnap cookies are a beloved classic, with their irresistible blend of spices and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply indulging in a cozy night at home, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and evoke fond memories of holidays past.
Introduction
Gingersnaps are a timeless treat that have been enjoyed for generations. With their distinctive blend of spices and soft, chewy texture, these cookies are a beloved staple during the holiday season. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect batch of soft gingersnaps, from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the baking process. Get ready to fill your home with the delicious scent of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves as you embark on this baking adventure!
Ingredients
To make a batch of soft gingersnaps, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Produce:
- 1 teaspoon Ground ginger
- Refrigerated:
- 1 Egg
- Condiments:
- 1/4 cup Molasses
- Baking & Spices:
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
- Fats:
- 3/4 cup Shortening
- Sweeteners:
- 1/4 cup White sugar
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch of soft gingersnaps:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Cream the Shortening and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Egg and Molasses: Beat in the egg until well combined, then add the molasses and mix until smooth.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Mix the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until set and lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your soft gingersnaps with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Chill the Dough: For extra soft and chewy gingersnaps, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and results in a thicker, chewier texture.
- Add Nuts or Raisins: For added texture and flavor, stir in chopped nuts or raisins into the dough before baking. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds work well, as do golden raisins or dried cranberries.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies have cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a festive finishing touch.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
While traditional gingersnaps are not typically keto or low-carb friendly due to the use of flour and sugar, you can experiment with alternative ingredients to create a version that fits your dietary needs. Consider using almond flour or coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour, and sweeteners like erythritol or stevia instead of sugar. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly from traditional gingersnaps, but with a little experimentation, you can still enjoy the delicious taste of ginger cookies while staying true to your keto or low-carb lifestyle.
Soft gingersnaps are a timeless holiday treat that never fails to delight. With their warm, spicy flavor and irresistible chewy texture, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering or simply enjoying them as a sweet indulgence on a cozy evening at home, this recipe is guaranteed to bring joy to all who taste it. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the delicious taste of homemade soft gingersnaps!
