Thursday, December 16, 2010

Ginger cookies

This is my favorite Christmas cookie, for a couple reasons.  I only make them at Christmas.  I only make one batch.  And if Christmas had a taste (besides pine, I guess), then this would be it.

I find that this recipe is just perfect.  I might add a little more cloves than they call for, but that's because I am all about the cloves.  They are definitely ginger-y and molasses-y.  And yumm-y.



Giant Ginger Cookies
from Better Homes & Gardens New Cookbook

4 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
4 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. shortening (I know, I know, it's not butter.  Shhh.)
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c. molasses
sugar to roll the cookies in (1/2-3/4 c.)

In bowl, combine flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt.  Set aside.  In mixer, beat shortening for 30 second.  Add 2 c. sugar; beat until combined.  Beat in eggs and molasses until combined.  Beat in flour mixture.  Shape dough into 2 inch balls (they are called "giant" cookies, after all!) and roll in sugar.  Place 2-2 1/2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 for 11-13 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned and tops are puffed.  They will look undone, but they are done.  Don't overbake them!  Cool on cookie sheet 2 minutes, then transfer to rack to cool completely.  Log onto this blog and thank me.


UPDATE
I've tried these with butter instead of shortening.  Yes, switch to butter, because they are FABULOUS with the butter.

7 comments:

  1. Ginger cookies are wonderful things. I'll have to try your recipe, but with butter. You know me.

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  2. Maybe we should have Christmas in July so you can make them twice a year. They look yummy!

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  3. I want to know how they turn out with butter, too! I promised the kids chocolate cookies with Reese's Pieces chips in them today, but maybe I could whip this one up as well. Yum!

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  4. I am here to thank you. :) Very yummy, now my favorite ginger cookie recipe. And I didn't even use butter! And I don't feel any conviction to limit these to a once a year treat. Yay!

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  5. YUMMY! Hope I can find some time this week to try these!

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  6. I would so love to make these, BUT, I am having a terrible time finding molasses at a reasonable price. Also my two favorite places don't even carry it this year and they did last year. What is this world coming to? I am going to be forced to go to a mainline grocery store and pay full price so that I can have my cookie fix!!! (Sorry to vent. :-)) Merry Christmas!!

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