If you have a soft spot for cookies that bring back nostalgic warmth and that perfect snap with every bite, you are going to absolutely adore this Old Fashioned Crunchy Gingersnap Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the essence of cozy kitchens and holiday cheer with their robust ginger and cinnamon flavors, paired with a satisfying crunch that keeps you reaching for just one more. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply craving that classic spice-packed treat, this recipe is a timeless winner that delivers delightful texture and that deep molasses sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple but don’t be fooled—each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect crunchy texture and that iconic gingersnap flavor you’re aiming for.
- Granulated sugar: Divided use ensures both sweetness and a beautifully textured sugary coating on the cookies.
- Vegetable shortening: Adds richness and helps create that tender yet crunchy cookie structure.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the spices and adds depth to the flavor.
- Baking soda: Acts as the leavening agent to give the cookies their ideal rise and crackly surface.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- Molasses: The heart of the gingersnap flavor, bringing deep, rich sweetness and moisture.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for your cookies.
- Ground ginger: The star spice that gives these cookies their signature zing.
- Ground cloves: Adds a subtle, warm spiciness that balances out the ginger.
- Ground cinnamon: Divided for mixing in the dough and coating, offering that perfect aromatic hint and extra flavor punch.
How to Make Old Fashioned Crunchy Gingersnap Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is key to achieving that crispy exterior while keeping the cookies perfectly crunchy all over.
Step 2: Cream the Shortening and Sugar
In the bowl of your electric mixer, combine the vegetable shortening, one cup of granulated sugar, kosher salt, and baking soda. Beat them together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy—this is where the texture magic begins, ensuring your cookies will be light and tender yet crisp.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Molasses
Add the large egg to your creamed mixture and blend until fully combined. Then pour in the molasses, mixing again until the mixture is even and luscious. The molasses infuses the dough with that deep brown color and rich flavor that is simply irresistible.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Spices
To the mixture, add the flour, one teaspoon of cinnamon, ground ginger, cloves, and the remaining cinnamon. Blend until everything is just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as that might toughen the dough. This step fills your kitchen with an enchanting aroma hinting at the cookies’ delicious destiny.
Step 5: Prepare the Sugar-Cinnamon Coating
In a shallow bowl or pie plate, mix the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with one teaspoon of cinnamon. This coating will give your cookies their classic, sparkly crunch and extra burst of spice.
Step 6: Form and Coat the Dough Balls
Using a 1-inch ice cream scoop or spoon, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Drop each ball into the sugar-cinnamon mixture, gently rolling around until fully coated. This step is not just for looks—the sugar coating caramelizes beautifully during baking, locking in crunch and flavor.
Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place your coated dough balls on a baking sheet that’s either sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, lined with parchment paper, or covered with a silicone mat. Make sure to leave about 1-1/2 inches between each cookie since they will spread as they bake, ensuring they don’t stick together and keep their perfect round shape.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10 to 11 minutes until the edges are set and the tops show characteristic cracks. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack using a spatula and allow to cool completely. This cooling time is crucial because the cookies firm up and develop their signature crunch as they settle.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Crunchy Gingersnap Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top just as they come out of the oven elevates their flavor by adding an unexpected salty contrast. For a festive touch, try dipping one end in melted white chocolate and letting it set—stunning and delicious.
Side Dishes
Pair these gingersnaps with a cozy cup of spiced tea, chai latte, or even a frothy cappuccino. Their warming spices complement creamy hot drinks perfectly, making your snack feel wonderfully indulgent and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a neat pile of these crunchy cookies tied with rustic twine for a charming gift or party centerpiece. Or use them as a crunchy base for dessert bars by crushing and layering beneath whipped cream and fresh fruit—your guests will love the creative twist on a classic favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your gingersnap cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crispy and fresh for up to two weeks, making them perfect to bake ahead for holiday celebrations or to keep on hand for spontaneous sweet cravings.
Freezing
If you want to save these delights for later, freezing unbaked dough balls works beautifully. Simply coat the dough balls in the sugar-cinnamon mix, arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked crunch, warm cookies in a 300-degree oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it softens the cookies, diminishing that distinctive crunch you worked so hard for.
FAQs
Can I use butter instead of vegetable shortening?
Butter adds a lovely flavor but will yield a slightly different texture, often softer and less crunchy. For the classic crunch that defines this Old Fashioned Crunchy Gingersnap Cookies Recipe, vegetable shortening is your best bet.
Why do the cookies need to be coated in sugar and cinnamon before baking?
This coating caramelizes during baking, creating the crackly, crisp outer layer that’s iconic to gingersnaps. It also bursts with an extra hit of cinnamon spice, enhancing every bite.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Be sure not to flatten the dough balls before baking and give them enough room on the baking sheet. Also, chilling the dough briefly can help reduce spreading if your kitchen is particularly warm.
Are these cookies gluten-free friendly?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I add other spices or flavors to this recipe?
Absolutely! Many people love adding a pinch of nutmeg or even a bit of freshly grated orange zest to give it a citrusy twist. Just be mindful not to overpower the signature ginger and cinnamon flavors that make this Old Fashioned Crunchy Gingersnap Cookies Recipe so beloved.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about mastering a classic cookie that brings so much joy with each crispy bite, and this Old Fashioned Crunchy Gingersnap Cookies Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s approachable, comforting, and full of the warm spices we all crave. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and let these ginger-spiced gems become a favorite in your own kitchen traditions. Happy baking!
