DISH RESEARCH · Dessert
gingersnaps
Also known as: Cookie, gingersnaps, Cookies, gingersnaps
PJ Hamel’s selected crisp gingersnaps use vegetable shortening in their own molasses-and-spice dough. A separately mixed cinnamon-sugar coating covers the balls before they spread and bake into cracked cookies.
About gingersnaps
Research draft based on the references below. These notes describe particular recipes and presentations; ingredient connections are still being reviewed.
PJ Hamel’s gingersnaps are crunchy, spicy drop cookies with cracked, sugary tops. King Arthur suggests them alongside tea, coffee or milk, while this selected version keeps the cookies’ own cinnamon-sugar finish.
Vegetable shortening is beaten with granulated sugar, table salt and baking soda. Egg and molasses follow, then flour, ground ginger, cloves and cinnamon form a smooth, fairly stiff dough.
A separate portion of granulated sugar is mixed with ground cinnamon for the coating. Small balls of dough are rolled in this mixture before they reach the parchment-lined baking sheets.
The balls spread as they bake, forming their characteristic cracked tops. This version uses Hamel’s longer bake for a crisp, crunchy cookie throughout, rather than the shorter bake with a bendy centre.
The gingersnaps cool on the pan or a rack. Their molasses-and-spice dough contrasts with the sweet cinnamon coating, and Hamel also describes them as a welcome biscuit beyond the winter holidays.
Ingredients in gingersnaps
Recorded ingredient connections, rather than a complete recipe. Explore an ingredient for more detail.
Ingredient connections are still being added.
Ingredient connections awaiting review. Versions and preparation vary.
Origins & food traditions
Explore the countries and cooking traditions associated with this dish. These connections do not establish a single birthplace or limit where the dish is eaten today.
Countries
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Cuisines & regions
Cuisine and regional connections are still being added.
AI-generated illustration of one possible presentation. Recipes and ingredients vary; the image does not establish allergen content.