Ginger Snaps

Authentic Ginger Snaps Recipe from England with Baking Powder, Lard, and More!

Region / culture: England | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Ginger snaps are a classic cookie that are loved for their spicy and sweet flavor. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any time you are craving a delicious treat.

History

Ginger snaps have been around for centuries and are believed to have originated in Germany. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gives these cookies their signature flavor that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

1.5 tsp of baking powder
0.5 cup of lard
0.5 cup of butter
1 large cup of brown sugar
1 cup of water
1 tbsp of ginger
1 tsp of cinnamon
1 tsp of cloves
1 qt (946 ml) of flour

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine the lard, butter, and sugar until smooth.
Add the flour and sifted powder to the bowl and mix well.
Gradually add water and spices to the mixture, stirring until a firm dough forms.
On a floured board, roll out the dough until thin and use a round biscuit-cutter to cut out shapes.
Place the dough shapes on a greased pan and bake in a preheated oven at a steady high temperature for eight minutes.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roll out the dough thin for crispy cookies.

- Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they can become too hard.

- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy ginger snaps with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until smooth is essential for a light and fluffy cookie.

- Rolling out the dough thin ensures crispy cookies.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable shortening instead of lard.

- If you don't have cloves, you can increase the amount of ginger and cinnamon.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the ginger snaps on a decorative plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Ginger snaps pair well with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store ginger snaps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of ginger snaps contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of ginger snaps contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of ginger snaps contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of ginger snaps contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ginger snaps are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Ginger snaps contain gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Ginger snaps are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and provide a small amount of essential nutrients.

Summary

Ginger snaps are a classic cookie that are perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a spicy and sweet treat. With a few simple ingredients and some baking time, you can enjoy these delicious cookies at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Ginger Snaps. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Martha's farmhouse out in the countryside. Aunt Martha was known for her delicious baked goods, and I always looked forward to her sweet treats whenever we visited.

On this particular day, Aunt Martha was bustling around the kitchen, her apron tied around her waist and a look of concentration on her face. I could smell the warm aroma of ginger and cinnamon wafting through the air, and I knew she was up to something special.

"What are you making, Aunt Martha?" I asked, peering over her shoulder as she mixed together the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

"Why, I'm making my famous Ginger Snaps, of course!" Aunt Martha replied with a twinkle in her eye. "Would you like to help me?"

I eagerly nodded, and she handed me a wooden spoon to help her stir the mixture. As we worked together, she explained each step of the recipe to me - from the precise measurements of the flour and spices to the importance of not over-mixing the dough.

As we placed the cookies on the baking sheet and popped them into the oven, Aunt Martha regaled me with stories of how she had learned to make Ginger Snaps herself. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from her own grandmother who had immigrated from Sweden.

"She used to make these cookies for us when we were children," Aunt Martha said wistfully. "They were always a special treat, especially around the holidays."

As we waited for the cookies to bake, Aunt Martha shared more memories of her childhood - of long summer days spent playing in the fields, and cozy winter nights by the fire with a plate of warm Ginger Snaps in hand. I could see the nostalgia in her eyes as she spoke, and I felt a deep connection to my family's past through this simple recipe.

When the timer finally dinged, we pulled the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. The kitchen filled with the sweet scent of cinnamon and molasses, and I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of our labor.

I bit into a warm Ginger Snap, and the flavors exploded on my tongue - spicy ginger, rich molasses, and a hint of sweetness from the sugar. The cookie was perfectly crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, just as Aunt Martha had promised.

"Delicious, isn't it?" Aunt Martha said with a satisfied smile. "This is why I love baking - it's a way to share a piece of our family history with the ones we love."

I nodded in agreement, savoring every bite of the Ginger Snap. In that moment, I realized the power of recipes to connect us to our past, to our loved ones, and to the traditions that make us who we are.

From that day on, I made it a point to learn as much as I could from Aunt Martha about our family's recipes. I watched her closely as she made her famous pies, cakes, and breads, soaking up every bit of knowledge she shared with me.

Years passed, and Aunt Martha's health began to decline. She could no longer spend hours in the kitchen baking up a storm like she used to. So, it fell to me to carry on the tradition of making Ginger Snaps for our family gatherings.

I lovingly mixed together the flour, spices, and molasses, just as Aunt Martha had taught me. As I rolled out the dough and cut it into perfect circles, I could almost hear her voice guiding me through each step of the recipe.

When the cookies came out of the oven, I arranged them on a platter and brought them to the table for my family to enjoy. The familiar aroma of ginger and cinnamon filled the room, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was keeping our family's traditions alive.

As we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I realized that these simple Ginger Snaps were so much more than just a cookie. They were a link to our past, a way to honor the generations who came before us, and a reminder of the love and care that went into every bite.

And so, I will continue to make Aunt Martha's Ginger Snaps for years to come, passing down the recipe to future generations and sharing the stories and memories that make them so special. Because in each bite of a Ginger Snap, there is a taste of history, a touch of love, and a connection to the ones we hold dear.