The Best Soft and Chewy Ginger Snaps Recipe Ever Made

Ginger snaps have a magical way of warming hearts with their delightful soft and chewy texture.

Crisp edges meet tender centers in this comforting classic cookie.

Sweet spices dance through each bite, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Molasses adds depth and richness to these delectable treats.

Baking these cookies feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of nostalgic flavors.

Home bakers can easily master this simple yet delicious recipe with just a few ingredients.

You’ll want to share these delightful morsels with everyone you know.

Twists On Soft And Chewy Ginger Snaps

• Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic spicy flavor.
• Vegan Molasses Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a dairy-free alternative.
• Spicy Chocolate Ginger Cookies: Mix in dark chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies to add a rich, decadent element to the traditional recipe.
• Low-Sugar Ginger Snaps: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or reduce sugar content, and incorporate additional warm spices to maintain depth of flavor while cutting calories.

Pairings For Soft And Chewy Ginger Snaps

• Pair with Spiced Chai Latte: Complement the warm, spicy ginger cookies with a creamy, aromatic chai tea that echoes the cookie's rich, warming spices.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a delightful contrast by pairing the crisp, spicy cookies with smooth, cold vanilla ice cream that balances the cookie's intense flavors.
• Match with Salted Caramel Mocha: Enhance the molasses and ginger notes with a decadent coffee drink featuring deep caramel undertones and a hint of salt to elevate the cookie's complexity.
• Enjoy with Cinnamon Apple Cider: Highlight the cookie's autumnal spices by serving alongside a warm, slightly sweet apple cider infused with additional cinnamon for a comforting seasonal experience.

How To Store Soft And Chewy Ginger Snaps

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 5 days. Keep them at a consistent temperature to preserve softness and prevent staleness.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Check carefully to prevent overheating, which can make them tough or dry.
• Preheat oven to 300°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for 3-5 minutes. This method helps restore their original soft, chewy texture and brings back that fresh-baked aroma.

Ginger Snap Cookie FAQs

• What makes these ginger cookies different from other cookie recipes?

These cookies have a perfect balance of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a rich, deep flavor profile that sets them apart from standard sugar cookies.

• Can I make these cookies if I'm not an experienced baker?

Absolutely! This recipe is beginner-friendly with simple steps and common ingredients, making it easy for anyone to create delicious homemade ginger cookies.

• Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, intensifies the flavors, and allows the spices to meld together, resulting in a more complex and delicious cookie texture.

Why Soft And Chewy Ginger Snaps Hit The Spot

• Craft Flavor-Packed Cookies: Ginger-spiced cookies burst with warm, comforting flavors that dance on your taste buds and bring instant joy to any gathering.
• Master Simple Baking Technique: Beginner bakers can confidently create these cookies with straightforward steps, minimal ingredients, and foolproof mixing instructions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or cozy afternoons, these cookies appeal to both kids and adults with their soft texture and delightful spice profile.
• Quick Preparation Magic: From mixing to baking, these cookies come together smoothly, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade treats without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything You Need For Ginger Snaps

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational base that provides structure and body to the ginger cookies.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves: Warm spices that create the classic, comforting taste of ginger cookies.

• Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness and contributes to the cookies' soft, chewy consistency.
• Molasses: Gives the cookies their signature dark color and rich, deep flavor.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet depth to the overall flavor.

• Granulated Sugar, Ground Ginger: Creates a sweet, sparkly exterior and adds an extra layer of spicy warmth to the cookies.

Steps For Soft And Chewy Ginger Snaps

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for a perfect non-stick cookie surface.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Cinnamon
• Cloves

Ensure everything is evenly blended with zero lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and transforms to a pale color. Use an electric mixer and mix for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

• Molasses
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and has a gorgeous glossy appearance.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This helps develop deeper flavors and firms up the mixture.

Step 7: Prepare Sugar Coating

Pour granulated sugar into a shallow dish for rolling cookies.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Pull out chilled dough and roll into small balls. Coat each ball completely in granulated sugar.

Step 9: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place sugar-coated dough balls on prepared sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to give cookies room to spread.

Step 10: Add Extra Flavor

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground ginger on top of each cookie for a flavor kick.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for set edges and crackled tops with slightly soft centers.

Step 12: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their soft, chewy texture that everyone loves.

Tips For Ginger Snap Cookie Success

• Chill for Flavor Intensity: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to develop deeper, richer molasses and spice notes, creating more complex cookie taste.
• Sugar Coating Technique: Roll cookies in granulated sugar before baking to create a delightful crackled exterior and add a subtle sweet crunch.
• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to maintain a tender, soft cookie texture without developing tough gluten.
• Spice Customization: Adjust ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves quantities to match personal taste preferences or regional spice variations.
• Storage Wisdom: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to preserve their soft, chewy consistency.

Soft And Chewy Ginger Snaps Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 42-44 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Ginger snaps dance with warming spices in this classic cookie recipe that embodies comfort and nostalgia. Crisp edges and rich molasses notes invite you to savor each delightful bite of homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

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Flour and Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Coating and Finishing:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 pinch of additional ground ginger (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a smooth, non-stick surface for your cookies.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a medium bowl, ensuring all dry ingredients are evenly distributed and free of lumps.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, approximately 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
4. Incorporate the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until the ingredients are fully integrated and the batter looks smooth and glossy.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up and enhance the flavor development.
7. Pour the granulated sugar into a shallow dish, preparing it for coating the cookie dough.
8. Remove chilled dough and roll into 1-inch balls, then gently coat each ball in the granulated sugar, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Place sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
10. Sprinkle an optional pinch of ground ginger on top of each cookie for an extra flavor boost.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and tops appear crackled, but centers remain slightly soft.
12. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Notes

• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent excessive spreading and create a more concentrated flavor profile during baking.
• Adjust spice intensity by increasing or decreasing ground ginger and cinnamon to suit personal taste preferences.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent cookie texture.
• Substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup for alternative dietary needs or flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg