Zesty Ginger Snap Magic: Ina Garten’s Irresistible Cookie Recipe

Soft, spicy, and utterly irresistible, these Ina Garten ginger snap cookies bring a delightful twist to your baking repertoire.

Her classic recipe weaves warmth and comfort into every single bite.

The combination of molasses and ginger creates a rich, aromatic experience that dances on your palate.

You’ll love how these crisp cookies snap with each delectable crunch.

The secret lies in the perfect balance of spices and techniques that make these treats truly special.

Baking these cookies promises to fill your kitchen with an inviting, nostalgic aroma that beckons everyone near.

Don’t miss the chance to whip up this delectable treat that turns an ordinary afternoon into a memorable culinary moment.

Tools That Help Bake Ina Garten Ginger Snap Cookies

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for beating ingredients smoothly and creating fluffy textures.
• Large Mixing Bowls: One for wet ingredients, another for dry ingredients and coating.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key to perfect cookie consistency.
• Baking Sheets: Two sheets for even baking and spacing of cookies.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Optional but helpful for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
• Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and scraping down mixer sides.

Steps to Prepare Ina Garten Ginger Snap Cookies

• Cozy Kitchen Atmosphere

Gather all ingredients and warm up your kitchen space, creating a welcoming baking environment that feels like a comfy home bakery.

• Mixing Magic

Blend shortening with sugar and spices in a large mixing bowl, creating a smooth and fragrant base that hints at delicious treats ahead.

• Texture Transformation

Fold in molasses and egg, watching the mixture transform into a rich, dark dough that promises delightful flavor and perfect cookie consistency.

• Spice Coating Adventure

Create a playful cinnamon-sugar mixture in a shallow dish, preparing to add a sweet and sparkling finish to each cookie.

• Cookie Crafting

Roll small portions of dough into charming little balls, then gently tumble them in the cinnamon-sugar blend until they’re beautifully coated.

• Baking Moment

Arrange the cookies on baking sheets, giving them space to spread and crisp, then slide them into a preheated oven at 375°F for 11-13 minutes.

• Cooling and Enjoying

Let the cookies rest and cool, developing their signature crisp edges and soft centers, then store in an airtight container for lasting freshness.

Ways to Enhance Ina Garten Ginger Snap Cookies

• Enhance the cookie's warmth by adding extra ground ginger or a pinch of cardamom for a more complex taste profile.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create perfectly round cookies with crisp edges.
• Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring the same delicious ginger snap experience.
• Experiment with different rolling coatings like turbinado sugar, crushed nuts, or orange zest to add unexpected crunch and flavor dimensions.
• Separate soft and crispy cookies when storing to maintain their individual textures, using parchment paper between layers in an airtight container.

Serving Styles for Ina Garten Ginger Snap Cookies

• Pair with Warm Beverages: Dunk these spicy-sweet cookies into a steaming mug of chai tea, hot cocoa, or coffee for a comforting treat that enhances the ginger's warmth.
• Create Dessert Sandwiches: Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream between two cookies to make delightful sandwich cookies that elevate the classic gingersnap.
• Crumble for Dessert Topping: Crush the cookies into fine crumbs and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream, yogurt parfaits, or use as a crunchy topping for autumn-inspired desserts like pumpkin cheesecake.
• Gift in Charming Packaging: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags, tie with a festive ribbon, and include a handwritten note for a delicious homemade gift perfect for holidays or special occasions.

How to Store Ina Garten Ginger Snap Cookies for Later

• Maximize Freshness: Store ginger snap cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp and delicious for up to 7 days.
• Freeze for Later: Pack cooled cookies in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze up to 3 months for quick sweet treats anytime.
• Revive Softened Cookies: Restore crunchiness by placing cookies on a baking sheet and warming in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes, then letting them cool completely.
• Smart Batch Prep: Double the recipe and keep half the dough refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever cravings hit.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 24

Ingredients for Baking Ina Garten Ginger Snap Cookies

• Shortening: Provides tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with rich, smooth consistency.
• Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps create crisp, golden edges on cookies.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates a light, airy texture.

• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the cookie dough.
• Molasses: Introduces deep, warm sweetness and contributes to the classic ginger snap color.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the cookies with a soft, tender crumb.
• Ground Ginger: Delivers the signature warm, spicy kick characteristic of ginger snaps.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complexity to the cookie's flavor profile.
• Ground Cloves: Provides an additional layer of aromatic, slightly pungent spice.

• Sugar (for rolling): Creates a sweet, crisp exterior with a delightful sparkling finish.
• Cinnamon (for rolling): Adds a subtle, warm accent to the cookie's outer layer.

Crispy Ina Garten Ginger Snap Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s ginger snap cookies deliver classic spice with crisp edges and rich molasses depth. Warm kitchen aromas and simple ingredients make these classic treats perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• ¾ cup (168g) vegetable shortening
• ⅓ cup (113g) molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 ⅓ cups (280g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup (198g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsps baking soda
• 1 ½ tsps ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp table salt
• ½ tsp cloves

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Heat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for seamless cookie release.
2. Creaming: Blend shortening, sugar, salt, and baking soda until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
3. Wet Ingredients: Mix egg and dark molasses into the creamed mixture, ensuring complete integration and consistent texture.
4. Dry Ingredients: Fold in flour and ground spices, gently combining until a uniform dough develops without overworking the mixture.
5. Coating Station: Create a spiced sugar mixture by thoroughly combining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
6. Shaping and Coating: Form uniform 1-inch dough balls, then roll each completely in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an even, aromatic exterior.
7. Baking: Arrange coated dough balls on prepared sheets with adequate spacing, then bake for 11-13 minutes depending on desired cookie consistency – shorter time for softer centers, longer for crisp edges.
8. Cooling and Storage: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet or transfer to wire rack, then preserve in an airtight container to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Precise Dough Rolling: Keep dough balls consistently small (1 inch) to ensure uniform baking and perfect cookie texture.
• Temperature Precision: Oven temperature dramatically affects cookie crispness; 11 minutes yields softer centers, 13 minutes creates crunchier edges.
• Coating Technique: Thoroughly roll dough balls in cinnamon-sugar mixture for maximum flavor and attractive sparkling exterior.
• Storage Strategy: Use airtight container at room temperature to preserve gingersnaps’ crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg