Chewy Ginger Snap Cookies

Chewy Ginger snap cookies are full of the flavor of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and clove. The perfect holiday cookie, with just the right amount of crunch and chew!

Ginger snap cookies on a cooling rack and a red coffee cup.


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Crisp on the edges with a soft and chewy center. Seriously one of the best holiday cookie recipes ever, spiced with warm winter spices that’s hard to resist.

These cookies smell amazing as they bake. Warm spices and molasses will fill your house with holiday cheer! My Pumpkin Crinkle Cookies are another favorite holiday cookie that smells amazing as it bakes. They're perfect for a holiday cookie exchange this time of year or just snuggled up with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gives these cookies a rich, spicy, and festive flavor. Ginger Snap cookies use pantry staples like flour, sugar, spices, and molasses, making them accessible and budget-friendly. Try them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, so good!

Several ginger snap cookies spread out onto a baking sheet.

What do ginger snaps taste like?

Ginger snaps have a bold, rich flavor with a delightful mix of spice, sweetness, and warmth. The combination of flavors is nostalgic and reminiscent of holiday treats, making them taste like the essence of winter and celebration.

Overall, ginger snaps are a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and warm flavors with a satisfying crunch that keeps you coming back for more!

 

Four process photos. First one, sugar and shortening in a clear bowl. Second one, eggs and mollasses added in. Third one, dry ingredients in a clear bowl. Fourth one, dry ingredients being mixed into the wet ingredients.

Recipe Tips

  • I used a 2-inch cookie scoop
  • rolling the balls into granulated sugar giving them those crackly tops.
  • Gingersnaps will spread while baking, so make sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Four process photos, first one, a cookie scoop scooping out a dough ball. Second one, dough ball being rolled in granulated sugar. Third one, dough balls placed on a baking sheet covered with a piece of parchment paper. Fourth one, baked ginger snaps on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
Why are they called ginger snaps?

They typically got their name because these cookies are very crispy and make a snap sound when broken in half. I prefer to have a nice chewy center with crispy edges.

Can you freeze these cookies?

Yes, just put the baked cookies in a freezable container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Or freeze the dough for fresh-baked cookies.

Whats the difference between ginger snap and gingerbread cookies?

Gingersnaps are just a variation of gingerbread. Gingerbread is more cake-like.

Ginger snap cookies on a cooling rack and a red coffee cup.

Ginger Snap Cookies

4.41 from 35 votes
Written By: Wendie
Soft and chewy ginger snap cookies will make the perfect treat this holiday season.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 153

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup shortening
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 granulated cup sugar for rolling

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  • In a large bowl add shortening, and sugar, and using a hand mixer mix until combined. Add in molasses and eggs and mix.
  • In a medium bowl add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
  • Add the extra 1/3 cup of sugar to a bowl.
  • Using a spoon or cookie scoop roll the batter into balls and roll into the sugar and place the balls onto the baking sheet.
  • Bake 12-14 minutes, let cool 2-3 minutes then remove to a cooling rack.

Video

Notes

For a crispier cookie bake for a minute or two longer.
Store in an airtight container for 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 153kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 250mgSugar: 14g
Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
4.41 from 35 votes (34 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    oh my Wendie, these are awesome! I used to make molasses cookies with my mom, as a kid, and these are so reminiscent of that time. Thank you!

  2. I have only made these using shortening. Now you can use butter but it may change the texture a bit.