Soft and Spicy Ginger Snap Cookie Recipe

These classic ginger snap cookies are the perfect blend of warm spices and rich molasses, bringing a nostalgic, comforting, and timeless flavor. They were always a favorite on any holiday cookie tray in my family.

With crisp edges, chewy centers, and a coating of sugar that adds a delightful crunch, these cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat with tea or coffee. 

How to Make Ginger Snap Cookies

Three ginger snap cookies on a white plate with a tea cup and saucer containing tea near by.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground ginger

½ teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup brown sugar (packed)

¾ cup butter, softened

¼ cup molasses

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

A glass bowl containing flour.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Ginger snap cookie dough in a mixing bowl.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Roll each ball in the ¼ cup of granulated sugar until fully coated.

Ginger snap cookies being rolled in sugar.

Place the cookie balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops are cracked. For a crispier ginger snap, bake on the longer end of the time range.

Ginger snap cookies on a baking tray just out of the oven.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Ginger snap cookies on a white plate. The text reads soft and chewy ginger snap cookies. steepedstreet.com
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Tips for the Perfect Ginger Snap

For Softer Cookies: Bake for the shorter time if you prefer a chewy texture with a soft center.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These cookies also freeze well for up to three months.

A tea cup and saucer with blue flowers containing tea. There is a ginger snap cookie on the saucer.

Enjoy your delicious, spicy ginger snaps with a cup of tea or coffee or as a sweet treat any time of day.

Yield: 30

Ginger Snap Cookies

Ginger snap cookies on a white background.
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These old-fashioned ginger snaps have the perfect blend of spices, a chewy center, and crispy edges.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ¾ cup butter softened
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
  5. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Roll each ball in the ¼ cup of granulated sugar until fully coated.
  6. Place the cookie balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops are cracked. For a crispier ginger snap, bake on the longer end of the time range.
  7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For Softer Cookies: Bake for the shorter time if you prefer a chewy texture with a soft center.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These cookies also freeze well for up to three months.

Nutrition Information

Yield 30 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 114Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 18mgSodium 161mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 0gSugar 8gProtein 1g

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