Today is December 1st, the start of my cookie baking season! I love this time of year, the cool, crisp night air and the beautiful lights and people just seem a bit happier. Every year, I bake hundreds of cookies and give them as gifts to neighbors, friends, family, and coworkers. It is something small that I can give to show others that I am thinking of them and thankful for them being a part of my life.
Throughout the month of December, I will post at least one cookie recipe each day so that you can bake along with me or maybe pick a few that you would like to try. To start the season, I am making gingersnap cookies. These are a personal favorite of mine and the smell of the ginger and molasses when they are baking is heavenly. These cookies also freeze well so they can be stored easily until it is time to make the cookie platters for gift giving.
Gingersnap Cookies
makes 4 dozen cookies
1 Cup Sugar
3/4 cup vegetable shortening
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar set aside in a small bowl for rolling cookies in
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup sugar, shortening, and molasses with an electric mixer. Add the egg and mix well.
Step 2: Add the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to the sugar mixture and beat on low to medium speed until mixed well.
Step 3: Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls and roll each ball in the 1/4 cup sugar that was set aside. Place on baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Using a flat bottomed cup flatten each ball to roughly a 1/2 inch thickness.
Step 4: Bake for 8 to 9 minutes or until lightly browned. Once removed from the oven allow the cookies to cool for 1 minute before removing them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
This recipe can be doubled and the cookies freeze well. In order to freeze, I place the completely cooled cookies in a single layer in a gallon size freezer bag. I then lay the bag flat in a box I have placed in my large chest freezer so that they will not be damaged if anyone should go into the freezer to get anything out during the month!
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