Crisp Ginger Snaps Recipe

Master these homemade crisp ginger snaps with the perfect snap! This easy baking recipe features the warming combination of ginger, cinnamon and cloves for the best traditional cookies. The molasses adds depth while rolling in sugar creates that signature crackle top. Learn how to make perfectly crisp cookies every time!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

12 mins

Serves:

36 cookies

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">350g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp ground ginger</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground cloves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp bicarbonate of soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">170g unsalted butter, at room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp freshly grated ginger (optional, for extra zing)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml black treacle or molasses</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheets</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper or silicone baking mats</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cooling rack</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Electric mixer (hand or stand)</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C fan) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Place about 50g of additional granulated sugar in a small bowl for rolling the cookies later.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. This even distribution of the leavening and spices ensures consistent flavor and texture throughout your cookies.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a large bowl, cream the butter and 200g sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This incorporates air into the mixture which helps create the characteristic crackle top. Don't rush this step – proper creaming is essential for the right texture!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat until completely incorporated. Then mix in the black treacle or molasses, vanilla extract, and fresh ginger (if using), scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture may look slightly curdled at this point, but don't worry!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing at this stage will develop too much gluten, making your cookies tough rather than crisp. The dough will be quite soft but should hold together.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture – it allows the flour to fully hydrate and the fats to firm up, which helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Roll the chilled dough into small balls, about 2.5cm in diameter (approximately 20g each). Roll each ball in the reserved granulated sugar until completely coated – this creates that beautiful sparkly exterior and enhances the crackle effect.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Place the sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 5cm apart as they will spread. For extra-crisp gingersnaps, slightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are golden brown around the edges and the tops have cracked. For maximum crispness, bake until the centers appear set and dry – if you prefer a slightly chewy center with crisp edges, remove them when the centers still look slightly soft.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes (they're very fragile when hot). Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they'll continue to crisp up and develop that satisfying "snap" when broken.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Store your crisp ginger snaps in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If they soften over time (especially in humid environments), you can refresh their crispness by heating in a 150°C oven for about 5 minutes, then cooling completely before storing again.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Crisp Ginger Snaps Recipe?

The key ingredients include plain flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, bicarbonate of soda, butter, sugar, egg, black treacle or molasses, and vanilla extract. For an extra zingy flavour, the recipe also includes optional freshly grated ginger.

How to cook Crisp Ginger Snaps Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Crisp Ginger Snaps by mixing your dry ingredients first, then creaming butter and sugar before adding wet ingredients. Chill the dough, roll into balls, coat with sugar, and bake until golden with characteristic cracks on top. The key to perfect gingersnaps is proper chilling time and not overbaking for that signature "snap" when broken.

Why do my gingersnap cookies turn out soft instead of crispy?

Soft gingersnaps usually result from underbaking, excess moisture in the recipe, or storing improperly. For crisp cookies, ensure you're baking until edges are firm and centers are set, use the correct proportion of butter to flour, and store in airtight containers. Flattening dough balls before baking also helps.

What's the secret to getting that perfect crackle top on ginger cookies?

The signature crackle top comes from rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking. This sugar coating crystallizes and cracks as the cookie expands in the oven. Properly creaming the butter and sugar, along with the right amount of leavening agent (bicarbonate of soda), is also essential.

How long do homemade gingersnaps stay crisp?

When stored in an airtight container, homemade gingersnaps will stay crisp for up to two weeks. If they begin to soften (especially in humid environments), you can refresh their crispness by heating them in a 150°C oven for about 5 minutes, then cooling completely.

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