Grandma’s Ginger Lace Cookies are a timeless treat, cherished through generations. Originating from Melissa’s great-grandmother Formanek during the WWI era, these cookies are rich in history and flavor. Their delicate lace-like appearance and spicy-sweet taste make them a perfect addition to any dessert table.
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The Best Grandma’s Ginger Lace Cookies Recipe
These Ginger Lace Cookies are known for their unique crackled design and robust flavor. Using simple ingredients and traditional methods, this recipe creates cookies that are both beautiful and delicious. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just as a delightful everyday treat.
Notes on Ingredients
- White Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s texture.
- Shortening: Used instead of butter, it gives the cookies a tender texture and holds up well in baking.
- Molasses: Adds deep, rich flavor and a chewy texture.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough, providing structure.
- Baking Soda: Leavens the cookies, making them light and airy.
- Ground Cinnamon and Ginger: These spices give the cookies their signature warm, spicy flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
How to Make Grandma’s Ginger Lace Cookies
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat 2 cups of white sugar, 1 ½ cups of shortening, and ½ cup of molasses together using an electric stand mixer until the mixture is uniform. Be careful not to overbeat. Add 2 eggs and mix for 30 seconds.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture, mixing until just combined to form a stiff dough.
- Form Cookies: Pour 2 tablespoons of sugar into a shallow bowl. Form the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in the sugar without flattening them. Place the dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven until they crackle on top, creating a ‘lace’ design, for about 6 to 8 minutes. Be sure not to overbake them. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Grandma’s Ginger Lace Cookies
Serve these cookies as a delightful snack with a cup of tea or coffee. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, or simply as a treat to enjoy any time of the day. Their unique appearance also makes them an attractive addition to any dessert platter.
How to Store Grandma’s Ginger Lace Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for several days, retaining their crisp yet chewy texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per recipe | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 6848.68 kcal | 342% |
| Total Fat | 321.08 g | 459% |
| Carbs | 934.15 g | 359% |
| Sugars | 546.94 g | 608% |
| Protein | 63.15 g | 126% |
| Sodium | 5726.14 mg | 286% |
| Fiber | 16.75 g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat | 127.56 g | 638% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03 g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 140.24 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 37.37 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 499.53 mg | 167% |
| Calcium | 518.16 mg | 65% |
| Magnesium | 523.31 mg | 140% |
| Potassium | 3106.17 mg | 89% |
| Iron | 33.73 mg | 241% |
| Zinc | 5.37 mg | 54% |
| Phosphorus | 772.97 mg | 110% |
| Vitamin A | 147.49 mcg | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 0.22 mg | 0% |
| Thiamin (B1) | 4.02 mg | 366% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 2.96 mg | 211% |
| Niacin (B3) | 31.46 mg | 197% |
| Vitamin B6 | 1.49 mg | 106% |
| Folic Acid (B9) | 1494.81 mcg | 747% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.78 mcg | 31% |
| Vitamin D | 1.8 mcg | 36% |
| Vitamin E | 4.42 mg | 37% |
| Vitamin K | 69.51 mcg | 93% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs About Grandma’s Ginger Lace Cookies
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening, but the texture may be slightly different. Shortening tends to create a more tender cookie.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is not necessary for this recipe, but it can help make the dough easier to handle.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Nutmeg or allspice can be great additions to enhance the flavor.
How do I prevent the cookies from overbaking?
Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should not have dark edges and should be removed from the oven as soon as they start to crackle on top.
Melissa’s Grandma’s Ginger Lace Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 ½ cups shortening
- ½ cup molasses
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons white sugar or as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Beat 2 cups sugar, shortening, and molasses together in a bowl using an electric stand mixer until uniform, making sure not to overbeat. Add eggs and mix for 30 seconds.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt together in a separate bowl. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture and mix until just combined and dough is stiff.
- Pour 2 tablespoons sugar in a shallow bowl. Form cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in sugar, making sure not to flatten. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cookies crackle on top for ‘lace’ design, 6 to 8 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy baking and savoring these classic Ginger Lace Cookies. Their rich history and delightful flavor make them a timeless treat for any occasion!