ic Kathe With an E: Grandma's Gingersnap Cookie Recipe

Friday, December 21, 2012

Grandma's Gingersnap Cookie Recipe

It has become a tradition for the past few Christmas' for me to make a bazillion gingersnap cookies. We give them as hostess gifts for parties we attend and to friends as little gifts. Mr. B has to take a big batch to work too. And then, of course, we have to have some for us to enjoy!

The recipe I use came from Mr. B's beloved Grandma Weinberger. I only had the opportunity to meet her once. Oh the stories I had heard of Grandma Betty!  She cooked and baked all of the time.  When she did step away from the stove she tended to her huge garden or she could be found at the local thrift store.  I knew I would love her as soon as I met her.  She was, after all, the woman I hoped to be! We had gone up to Canada for Thanksgiving several years ago and I got to finally meet my mentor. 

Love of family always came first to Betty.  What better way for her to show her love than through food?  She had two freezers in the basement, filled to the very top with baked goods. A cold room was crammed full of canned veggies grown by her own worn hands. She was a small woman with a little kitchen that out of came the most delectable delights.

The first time I bit into one of her homemade gingersnaps I knew I had to have the recipe.  Of course, she didn't have it written down, she knew it by heart.  So, while she worked away at the stove, I wrote the recipe down as she told it to me. She even divulged her secret ingredient to me.  That one thing that makes them really snap! I cherish the memory even more now as she has since passed away. And now, as my Christmas gift to you, I want to share the recipe too.

Grandma Betty's Gingersnap Cookies

5 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon cayenne (the secret ingredient!)
1 cup butter, softened (Grandma said to NOT use margarine, EVER, real butter only)
1 1/4 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger and cayenne.

In a separate bowl cream the butter and sugars until mixed together.  Add the eggs, molasses and vanilla and beat until well combined.  Slowly add the dry mix into the wet ingredients until a uniform dough forms.
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Taking a small bit of dough, roll around in your hands to form into ping pong sized balls. With a plate of white sugar, press the balls lightly to coat one side.
Place sugar side up on an ungreased baking sheet.
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Bake at 350 degrees until done, about 12 minutes.
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Let them cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet before moving them to a rack to fully cool.

This recipe makes enough for a sweet treat display,
(check out that sweet tiered serving piece I won from a giveaway hosted by my friend Elaine at Creating Wonderful Spaces),
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with enough to fill a large cookie jar!
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Depending on how big you make your balls, you can expect to get 8 to 12 dozen delicious cookies!  Plenty enough to share...or not ;-) 

They make the perfect snack.  Whether it be with a cup of hot cocoa enjoyed by the lights of the Christmas tree or with a mug of coffee while you read the morning paper or, your favorite blog!

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31 comments:

  1. Mmmm! I Love Gingersnap cookies! These look so yummy! I'm saving the recipe! Pinning it too! ;-)

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  2. I sure do love ginger but hubby can't stand it - but they sure look good!

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  3. My mouth is watering. Thanks for linking up!

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  4. Oh, I am so glad you shared this recipe! The tin you gave me is almost empty, and I'd love to make some. They look so lovely in your cute tiered server!

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  5. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Foodie Friends Friday.
    Dawn
    http://spatulasonparade.blogspot.com

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  6. My Nana made gingerbread cookies and shared them at Christmas. A loving memory. Thank you for sharing Grandma Betty's recipe. They look wonderful in your pictures. My favorite cookie of all time.
    Joy

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  7. Hello Kathe
    That is such a lovely story about Grandma Betty cooking up a storm in her little kitchen. That's where the saying "slaving over a hot stove" comes from - things were so different for those dear women.
    I'm with Betty as I would never use margerine for baking either - but then I'm getting 'on a bit' too I suppose - let's just say I'm no spring chicken any more!!!

    Lovely to meet up with you via Mary's Masterpiece Monday.
    I'm now your newest follower and I would love you to pop over and say hello too!
    I'll get the butter cookies out for you!

    Christmas Blessings to you and your family
    Joyeux Noël
    Shane ♥

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  8. Mrs. Weinberger knew just what she was talking about: B-U-T-T-E-R only!!! If you're gonna eat a cookie, EAT A COOKIE!!! Butter is the only way to go for REAL cookies!!! :-) The cayenne is a bit of a surprise. Hmmmm...this I will have to try! Thank you for sharing the secret! I hope you have a fabulous Christmas, Kathe, and that the new year brings you nothing but joy and happiness. It would be great to have a year like that for a change, wouldn't it? :-) Take care!!!

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  9. Kathe, gingersnaps are one of my favorite cookies. I'm thrilled to have your recipe. I'm baking tonight so might try these too. These look delicious!
    Merry Christmas to you and your family.........Sarah

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  10. Looks delicious-definitely one to try!! I wanted to wish you and your family a beautiful Christmas and a happy & safe New Year - all the best for 2013!!

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  11. Hi Kathe ~ visiting from Small Anchors... I'm so pinning this recipe! The perfect holiday cookie to feed my crowd. :)
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
    Heidi @ Decor & More

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  12. Grandma Betty sounds like a wonderful woman. I love to hear about the person behind a recipe. Thanks for sharing this on foodie friday and Merry Christmas.

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  13. Yum! I have a newfound love for gingersnaps/gingerbread :) These sound wonderful. Thanks for linking up with Together in the Kitchen!

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  14. Kathe I love that you and your family take the butter ingredient seriously :) My granny's recipes have very similar notes.. that made me smile!

    Cannot wait to try these; it will be my first time!

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  15. I love gingersnaps SO much! I think I might have to make some tomorrow morning!!
    Found you through Foley Fam sunday funday hop!

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  16. I'll have to save this recipe. I LOVE gingersnaps, but I've never made my own. Thanks for posting this :)

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  17. Yummmy!!!
    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  18. Those look great! Thank you for sharing them at SHOW-licious Craft Showcase!

    Happy Holidays,
    Marti

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  19. i LOVE gingersnaps.. perhaps one of my favorite tastes so i will certainly be trying these out. thanks for sharing them over at Together in the Kitchen!!

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  20. Visiting from Homemaker on a Dime. These look wonderful! Thanks for sharing your story and recipe. Merry Christmas!

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  21. Old fashioned homemade gingersnaps, yum! Love them and have not made them in years. Will have to give your granny's recipe a try after Christmas. Thanks for sharing it with Share Your Cup. Have a wonderful Christmas my friend!
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  22. Oh yes!
    Those look great!
    I love gingersnaps!
    Thanks for linking up!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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  23. I think I love any cookie made with ginger. These look very good Kathe! Thanks for sharing them on "I Gotta Try That" I hope you and your family have a Happy New Year!
    Marcie

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  24. These look WONDERFUL! I know my husband would love them! Thank you for sharing the recipe. New Follower. -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  25. Aren't grandma's recipes always the best!?! ;) Thanks for sharing them with us at Fancy This Fridays! We featured your recipe on Truly Lovely today! http://www.trulylovelyblog.net/2012/12/fancy-this-fridays-107-and-features/

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  26. Your recipe sounds yummy! I'm always looking for another gingersnap recipe to try. I'm pinning this at my board to remind me to make in 2013. Thank You. A Happy New Year to you!

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  27. Yum yum yum! I want some of these!

    Thanks for linking them up!

    Shelley

    www.piggyinpolkadots.blogspot.com

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  28. Oh, these look so yummy! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! I am still trying to catch up with all my blog comments after the holidays. :) Thank you so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent!

    XO
    Kathy

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