Gingersnap Cookies

Perfect Gingersnap Cookies – Crisp, Spiced & Holiday-Ready

Nothing says holiday baking quite like the warm aroma of gingersnap cookies fresh from the oven. These classic, perfectly spiced treats are crisp on the outside, slightly chewy in the center, and beautifully balanced with molasses, ginger, and cinnamon. Whether you’re shopping at an international supermarket, picking ingredients up from the grocery store near me, or using convenient grocery delivery services, this recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough for any festive cookie platter.

With straightforward steps, pantry-friendly ingredients, and customizable variations, these gingersnaps make an excellent choice for gifting, entertaining, or cozy winter snacking. As someone who has baked these for years during holiday gatherings, I can confidently say—they never disappoint!

Why You’ll Love These Gingersnap Cookies

✔️ Perfectly spiced with ginger, cinnamon & cloves
✔️ Crispy & crunchy but easy to adjust for a softer texture
✔️ Uses common items from any grocery store or ethnic grocery store
✔️ Great for gifting, cookie exchanges & holiday dessert boards
✔️ Easy recipe for beginners with professional results

Ingredients

Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 10 minutes
Makes: ~3 dozen cookies

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
  

• ¾ cup butter, melted
  

• 1 egg
  

• ¼ cup molasses
  

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  

• 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
  

• 1 tsp baking soda
  

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  

• ½ tsp ground cloves
  

• ¼ cup sugar (for rolling)
  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and molasses until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Slowly add dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a stiff dough forms. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours for best flavor and texture.

Step 2 – Shape & Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each one in granulated sugar. Space the dough balls 2 inches apart on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3 – Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly crackled. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to wire racks.

Festive Variations You’ll Love

Chewy Gingersnaps

Underbake 8–9 minutes and store with a slice of bread to keep them soft.

Chocolate-Dipped Gingersnaps

Dip in melted dark or white chocolate; top with crushed peppermint for a holiday twist.

Nutty Gingersnaps

Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Citrus-Spiced Gingersnaps

Add 1 tsp orange zest for bright, fragrant flavor.

Gingersnap Ice Cream Sandwiches

Sandwich vanilla, cinnamon, or pumpkin ice cream between two cookies.

Storing & Freezing Tips

Storing Gingersnaps

• Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.
  

• Add a paper towel to keep them crisp.
  

• For softer cookies, store with a slice of white bread.
  
  

Freezing Options

• Freeze dough balls: Freeze individually, then store in freezer bags; bake frozen with +1–2 minutes.
  

• Freeze baked cookies: Layer with parchment and freeze up to 3 months.
  
  

Holiday Gifting Idea

Package cookies in decorative tins or mason jars with ribbon, or pair them with other favorites like Polvorones Cookies for a festive assortment. Include a handwritten recipe card for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Weekly Offers at Super King Market

Every week, Super King Market highlights affordable essentials across the bakery aisle, pantry goods, spices, and holiday staples—perfect for stocking up before holiday baking. Whether you’re visiting a supermarket near you, exploring a diverse Mediterranean grocery store, or browsing an ethnic grocery store for specialty spices, you’ll always find competitive prices on premium ingredients. Many locations also offer inspired seasonal deals on butter, brown sugar, molasses, cloves, and other cookie-making must-haves so you can bake smarter and save more.

FAQ – Gingersnap Cookies

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine works, but butter gives a richer flavor and better texture. You can find both options easily at any local supermarket.

How do I make the cookies softer instead of crunchy?

Underbake them for about 8–9 minutes and store with a slice of bread to maintain softness. This works whether you bought ingredients from an international supermarket or through grocery delivery services.

Can I substitute molasses if I don’t have any?

Dark corn syrup or honey can be used instead, but molasses gives traditional depth. Most ethnic grocery stores carry specialty molasses varieties year-round.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps control spreading and improves flavor development. Whether your ingredients came from a Mediterranean grocery store, this step guarantees perfect texture.

Can I make the dough ahead for holiday baking?

Absolutely! The dough can chill for up to 48 hours or freeze for months. This is especially helpful if you stock up at an international supermarket or order multiple baking staples through grocery delivery services.

How do I keep gingersnaps crisp when gifting them?

Let them cool fully, pack in airtight containers, and add a paper towel to absorb moisture. This keeps them crisp even when using ingredients purchased from fresh produce near you markets or any grocery store near me.