Ginger Cookie Recipe: A Spicy Treat for Your Taste Buds
Greetings, fellow bakers! Today, I come bearing a recipe that will transport you to the famous Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. I am talking about none other than their delectable and famous Ginger Cookie Recipe. It has been enjoyed for generations and is one of the most requested recipes in the city. So much so that Joe Carson, the founder of the park, decided to share it with everyone who loves homemade cookies.
This recipe is incredibly special as it promises to provide the perfect blend of spicy cinnamon, sweet molasses, and warm ginger in every bite. It’s the ultimate chewy ginger cookie that captures not only your taste buds but also your heart. Imagine biting into these little bottomless bites of heaven that crackle on top and feel the tender succotash inside. Trust me; you have not tasted anything like this before.
It’s no secret why this ginger cookie has stolen so many hearts because it carries a rich history with it. Can you believe that it dates back to the early 1900s when Silver Dollar City was still known as Marvel Cave? The city may have come a long way since then, but this recipe remains unchanged and is still loved by all who visit.
So grab your mixing bowls, put on some festive music, and let’s get baking! In the following sections, I will be sharing everything you need to know about making these delicious Silver Dollar City Famous Ginger Cookies from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a cookie lover? Then, you are in for a treat! Once you taste these Silver Dollar City Famous Ginger Cookies, it is impossible to resist them. Why ginger cookies, you wonder? Because they are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors.
The recipe came from Joe Carson, a baker from Silver Dollar City Theme Park in Branson, Missouri. He perfected the recipe over the years and made it one of the best ginger cookie recipes out there. These bottomless bites have been enjoyed in the park since its opening in 1960.
What makes these cookies so special is their soft, chewy texture and their crackle top. The ginger and molasses make them stand out from other common desserts.
For Christmas at Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas festival, visitors can make their own succotash with candied orange, molasses cookies, and pepparkakor Swedish gingerbread cookies. These famous Ginger Cookies are part of the signature desserts that are baked fresh every day at the park.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with your favorite beverage. They go great with coffee or tea during breakfast or as dessert after lunch or dinner. Plus, they make a wonderful gift to share with family and friends during special occasions.
So why not bake yourself some of these world-famous cookies today? You will find that they are the perfect snack for all to enjoy. Trust us; you won’t regret trying this recipe.
Ingredient List
Before we start baking, let’s make sure we have everything we need.
Here are the ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1 cup of shortening (or coconut oil)
- 1 cup of sugar + extra for rolling
- 1/4 cup of molasses
- 1 egg
Note: If you want your cookie to have a strong spice flavor, add more cinnamon, ginger or cloves according to your preference.
Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s move on to the recipe how-to!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredients list, it’s time to make some chewy and delicious ginger cookies. Here’s how to do it:
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground cloves, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Set this mixture aside for later.
Making the Dough
- In a second mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of shortening until smooth.
- Add 1 cup of sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the following ingredients one at a time: ½ cup of molasses and 1 egg.
- Gradually stir in the previously mixed dry ingredients until just blended.
Baking the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in granulated sugar.
- Place the balls about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Using the bottom of a glass, press down lightly on each dough ball to flatten it slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set and the tops begin to crack slightly.
- Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes before removing them onto wire racks to cool completely.
Enjoy these bottomless bites that taste like they came straight out of Silver Dollar City!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to baking, substitutions and variations are inevitable. Whether you’re trying to make the recipe more to your liking or don’t have all the ingredients on hand, there are several ways to tweak this famous ginger cookie recipe.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, try swapping out the shortening for coconut oil. You can also replace the all-purpose flour with a combination of oat and almond flour for added nutrition.
For those who love a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of ginger and cinnamon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of ginger and cloves called for in the recipe.
Another fun variation is to add mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to elevate these cookies even further. White chocolate chips and candied orange slices are particularly great additions that complement the spicy ginger flavor.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch up the shape of these cookies, make them into larger bar form instead of traditional silver dollar-sized cookies. You’ll have delicious bottomless bites perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Through experimentation, you can create new flavor combinations that will take your cookie game to new heights. Just remember to keep an eye on time and temperatures as any changes you make may affect baking times or temperature requirements.
Serving and Pairing
Once you have baked these irresistible ginger cookies, it’s time to think about how best to serve them. Traditionally, these cookies are silver dollar-sized, which makes them perfect for snacking or enjoying with a hot drink.
The chewy texture and crackling tops make them a perfect addition to any holiday cookie tray. They’re also great for entertaining since they are bite-sized, making them an easy treat to share with friends and family. You’ll find that everyone will be reaching for “just one more” of these delicious cookies.
For a classic pairing, enjoy these ginger cookies with a cup of tea or coffee. The warm spices of the ginger and cinnamon in the recipe perfectly complement the rich flavors of these beverages.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, try pairing these ginger cookies with a glass of cold milk. The sweetness of the cookies pairs nicely with the creaminess of the milk, making it an ideal combination that is sure to delight your taste buds.
Another option is to sandwich two ginger cookies together with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream in between. This will create a fun dessert that can be enjoyed year-round.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these famous ginger cookies from Silver Dollar City’s Joe Carson Ginger Cookie Recipe are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you have tasted the scrumptious silver dollar city famous ginger cookies, you will want to make them again and again. It’s always handy to know how to store, reheat or even freeze these treats for future enjoyment.
Firstly, let me remind you that ginger cookies are the perfect make-ahead treat. Top chefs often recommend preparing doughs ahead of time and refrigerating them for better flavor formulation. This recipe can even be chilled for 24 hours before baking, which allows the flavors to infuse more deeply within the dough. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that storing and reheating these cookies is equally simple.
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool to room temperature before storing them any tightly sealed cookie jar or container. They can last in these containers at room temperature for up to one week. For much longer storage up to one month or two, put each cookie into a freezer-safe zip-top bag and keep in your freezer.
Reheating ginger cookies is just as easy; simply pop the frozen or room temperature cookies onto a baking sheet and heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for five minutes. The result is hot and chewy ginger cookies that taste just as good from the freezer as they do freshly baked.
Remember though that these unique treats may partially lose their crunchy texture if frozen for too long but will still taste marvelous! Whether you’re storing, freezing, reheating or making-ahead, it’s quite clear; this silver dollar city famous ginger cookie recipe will bring succotash of delight in your life.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients for the Silver Dollar City’s Famous Ginger Cookie Recipe, it’s time to focus on how to make perfect ginger cookies. Follow these tips to get the best results with your cookie recipe:
1. Proper Measuring
For the best results and perfect cookies, measure your ingredients as accurately as possible. Use standard measuring cups and spoons so that you’re adding just the right amount of each component to the mix. Using too much flour or sugar can impact the taste and texture of your cookie.
2. Chill Your Dough
Once you mix your ingredients, give your dough some time to chill. You may be in a hurry to start baking, but allowing your dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes will help set it up and intensify its flavors.
3. Use Parchment Paper
Lay a sheet of parchment paper on top of your baking sheet before dropping spoonfuls of cookie dough onto it. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to remove cookies after baking.
4. Stick to Cooking Times
Cooking times are for guidance only – every oven is different! Be patient and avoid opening the oven before recommended baking time has elapsed. Opening the over door too frequently causes loss of heat and can lead to uneven cooking.For this reason, ensure you keep an eye on your cookies and only take them out when golden brown
5. Keep Your Oven Temperature Steady
Ensure that your oven is at the correct temperature as cookie dough loves precise temperature control. Fluctuations can cause over-baking or burning, which is the last thing you want when trying to achieve that chewy ginger goodness!
By adhering to these tips, your Silver Dollar City’s Famous Ginger Cookies will turn out perfectly every time!
FAQ
Now that you have baked the famous Silver Dollar City Ginger Cookie using the recipe shared above, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions about this dessert. Having questions is natural when attempting a new recipe, especially one with many ingredients like the ginger cookie recipe shared by Joe Carson. Let’s explore some of the commonly asked queries and clear up any doubts so that your cookies can turn out perfect every time.
Why don’t my ginger cookies crackle on the top?
Getting a crackly top on your cookies requires a hot oven. If your cookies lack the desired crackle, it is likely because you didn’t whip the butter and sugar together for long enough. Incorporating more air while whipping will create a lighter and fluffier mixture, which will help your cookies develop cracks as they bake in the oven. Remember to preheat your oven properly to ensure that the cookies are baked to perfection.
What’s the difference between ginger snaps and molasses cookies?
When it comes to cookies, the distinction between molasses cookies and gingersnap cookies lies in their texture. While molasses cookies are chewy, gingersnap cookies are crispier and have a snap to them. Ideally, a gingersnap cookie should be crunchy on the outside, yet still soft and chewy on the inside.
Why are my ginger molasses cookies flat?
Have you noticed that your cookies always come out flat no matter how many recipes you try? The problem might actually be your oven – specifically, it may be too hot. When the oven is too hot, the butter that helps bind the ingredients together melts too quickly. This ends up causing the rest of the ingredients to not set up properly, resulting in a flat cookie. Don’t worry, I’ve got some tips to help fix this issue!
What are ginger cookies made of?
For this recipe, you’ll need to measure out 2 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour. Be sure to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy. Along with the flour, you’ll also need 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of allspice, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of cloves, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, a scant 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. These ingredients will come together to create the perfect spicy, flavorful gingerbread.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Silver Dollar City’s Famous Ginger Cookie Recipe by Joe Carson is sure to become a classic in your recipe box. The combination of the spices and the crackly top make them irresistibly delicious. The recipe is easy to follow, and the ingredients are ones that you may already have on hand. The cookies taste just like the ones you can buy at the theme park, so it’s like having a little piece of Silver Dollar City in your own home.
Whether you are looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering or want to whip up a batch for a cozy night in, these ginger cookies are sure to hit the spot. They pair well with a nice cup of tea or coffee and make great gifts for friends and family.
Overall, I highly recommend this recipe as it will surely become one of your go-to dessert recipes. Don’t hesitate, give this famous ginger cookie recipe a try right away! It’s time to indulge in some bottomless bites of these delicious goodies and experience the classic taste that makes Silver Dollar City’s ginger cookies so iconic.
Silver Dollar City’s Famous Ginger Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In mixing bowl, sift flour, soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In second mixing bowl cream shortening and sugar until fluffy.
- Add the molasses and egg. Beat the mixture for one minute.
- Add the flour mixture and mix at low speed until combined.
- Shape dough into 1-1/2 inch balls, then roll in small bowl of additional sugar.
- Bake on greased cookie sheet, 3 inches apart, at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until light brown on bottom.
- Transfer to cooling rack.
Your Own Notes
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.