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Ginger Snaps — Warm, Spiced & Perfectly Crisp Cookies

These Ginger Snaps are everything you want in a classic holiday cookie — warm, lightly crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and full of cozy ginger spice. With notes of cinnamon, molasses, brown sugar, and vanilla, every bite tastes like winter comfort and nostalgic holiday baking. Perfect for cookie tins, gifting, dipping in tea or hot chocolate, or simply enjoying on a cool afternoon, these cookies are timeless, simple, and beautifully fragrant. They’re the kind of cookies that make the kitchen smell like a cozy hug.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
bake time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves optional but adds depth
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar plus extra for rolling
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup molasses

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

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    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop (optional)

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a bowl, whisk together:
  2. flour
  3. ginger
  4. cinnamon
  5. cloves
  6. baking soda
  7. salt
  8. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars
  1. In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla & Molasses
  1. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  2. Add molasses and beat until smooth.
Step 5: Combine
  1. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
  2. Mix just until a soft dough forms — do not overmix.
Step 6: Shape
  1. Scoop small balls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each).
  2. Roll each ball in granulated sugar.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Place on baking sheet with space between cookies.
  2. Bake 9–12 minutes depending on texture preference:
  3. Shorter time = softer & chewier
  4. Longer time = crisp edges with snap
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy
  1. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months.
To refresh, warm in the microwave 6–8 seconds.
🥄 Variations
Soft Ginger Cookies:
Reduce bake time by 1–2 minutes for a chewy center.
Extra Spicy:
Increase ginger to 2 teaspoons and add a pinch of black pepper.
Maple Drizzle:
Mix powdered sugar + a splash of maple syrup and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Holiday Sparkle:
Roll in coarse sugar for added crunch and shine.
Chocolate Twist:
Dip half of each baked cookie in melted dark chocolate.
❓ 10 FAQs
Why are my cookies too hard?
They were overbaked — remove when centers still look soft.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes — reduce added salt to a pinch.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes — chill up to 48 hours before baking.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — freeze dough balls and bake from frozen.
Do I have to roll in sugar?
No — but it gives classic sparkle and crunch.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
What type of molasses should I use?
Regular unsulfured molasses — not blackstrap.
Can I make jumbo cookies?
Yes — bake 1–3 minutes longer.
Why did my cookies not crack?
Dough may have been too warm — chill 15 minutes first.
Can I ship these cookies?
Yes — they hold texture well for mailing and gifting.
🏁 Conclusion
These Ginger Snaps bring cozy warmth, nostalgic spice, and a perfectly balanced texture — whether you enjoy them crisp or soft-chewy. They’re simple to bake, beautifully aromatic, and always a comforting treat. A timeless cookie you’ll want to bake again and again.
Warm. Spiced. Perfectly sweet.