ginger cracks

Brea, CA
Updated on Dec 1, 2011

The taste of Gingerbread Cookies, I think, is completely set apart for the Christmas season. However, there is only ONE cookie I will devote the time to rolling and cutting and that is my Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies (recipe is here and on my blog). Ginger Cracks give the wonderful, spicy taste of Gingerbread with the simplicity of scooping and baking. Tah-dah! EASY. www.TrebleClefChef.blogspot.com

prep time 25 Min
cook time 15 Min
method ---
yield 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 cups plus 1 tbl all purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), softened
  • 3/4 cup plus 2 tbl sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 tbl unsulphered molasses
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup crystallized ginger, chopped small
  • 1/2 cup coarse decorator sugar for rolling (you can use regular sugar for this too)

How To Make ginger cracks

  • Step 1
    Onto waxed paper, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.
  • Step 2
    In a mixer, beat shortening and butter on low speed until smooth and creamy, 2-3 minutes. Add sugar; beat on medium speed 1 minute. Blend in egg, molasses and vanilla. Scrape down sides of bowl frequently.
  • Step 3
    On low, add the flour in 2 additions, beating just until particles of flour are absorbed. Blend in ginger. Dough will be stiff and sticky.
  • Step 4
    Scrape dough onto large sheet of plastic wrap. Using a spatula, flatten into a shallow cake. Wrap up dough and freeze for 30 minutes before using. (Dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days).
  • Step 5
    Heat oven to 375.
  • Step 6
    Line large baking sheets with parchment paper. Place decorator sugar for rolling, in a bowl. For each cookie, shape 1 level TBL into a ball. Roll in the sugar. Place balls, 3 inches apart, on sheets, 9 per sheet. Dough will spread as it bakes.
  • Step 7
    Bake in 375 oven for 12 minutes. As cookies bake, they will puff up, then flatten out. Surfaces will appear crackly and crinkly. Let stand on cookie sheets for 1 minute. Transfer to wire racks. Let cool. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

Discover More

Category: Cookies
Category: Other Snacks
Keyword: #Ginger
Keyword: #Christmas
Keyword: #holiday
Keyword: #treat
Keyword: #cookie
Keyword: #spice

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