“Good morning eager young minds.”
{ All quotes are from ” A Beautiful Mind “ }
“Find a truly original idea. It is the only way I will ever distinguish myself. It is the only way I will ever matter.”
♥
While I wouldn’t claim ownership of
“THE Best Ginger Cookie.. in the World.. Ever”
I do have a predilection for my recipe. However, isn’t it true that..
“In competitive behavior someone always loses.”
♥
My erudite fellow-blogger Roger from “Food, Photography & France” noted.. we need to beware when our
“passion has transmogrified into a self-bestowed confirmation of quality and talent”.
He may have a point.
And, so, humbly.. I continue my search for the Holy Grail of Gingerbread Recipes and pray that I’ve enough talent and passion, er, “joie de vivre” for my next
Bon Appetit Appetempt!
♥
Fortunately, there exists a plethora of Gingerbread recipes to try and almost immediately stumbled across one likely suspect.
“Bah!” I scoffed.. “How could this one be better than my soft, delicately flavored and moist Soft and Cushy Ginger Cookies?”
{ Mirror mirror, on the wall, who has the fairest Ginger Cookie of all? }
The thought of Roger’s words reminded me to have an open mind…
And so, it was settled! I would bake the Iced Ginger Cookies from the
The World Famous Complete Magnolia Bakery Cookbook
♥
Well.. was I surprised,
“Terrified… mortified… petrified… stupefied…”
Here was a completely different sort of cookie.. the process, the ingredients, the way it baked.. stunned me into submission.
It calls for canola oil (not butter, gasp), they puffed up magnificently
and then instantly flattened when removed from the oven.. into a soft, yet still incredibly tender crumb.
They can be frosted as well…
It seems I’ve a lot to eat learn!
“Classes will dull your mind, destroy the potential for authentic creativity.”
Hmmm.. that one is debatable, I think..
“Perhaps it is good to have a beautiful mind, but an even greater gift is to discover a beautiful heart.”
♥
Even the most famous of us slip up sometimes.. I made their icing as written and only had enough to thinly cover 8 cookies, lol! So it seems the bakery recipe math was divided a wee too many times. Math never was my strength either.. but I’ve multiplied by 4 and given you enough to cover all 30 cookies.. with enough leftover for two spoonfuls to taste. These were excellent with or without the icing.. you decide:D
- Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil (preferrably Canola)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup light, unsulphured molasses
- sugar to dust cookies
- Icing
- 4 cups confectioners' (icing) sugar, sifted
- 4 tbsp solid vegetable shortening
- 8 tsp water
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour through to the salt. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, beat on medium speed, the oil and sugar together for 3 minutes. Add the egg and molasses and beat to blend well.
- Turn the mixer on low and gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix until blended.
- Drop by spoonfuls on silpat or parchment lined baking sheets, leaving lots of room between. I had about 8 cookies per sheet. Sprinkle lightly with sugar.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove the cookies as soon as the edges begin to brown if you prefer a soft cookie. Let them rest for a minute or two then remove to a rack to cool.
- Combine the sugar, shortening and water in a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat until smooth and creamy. Adding extra confectioner’s sugar until you get a mixture that isn’t too runny. Smear each cookie and let them dry separately before stacking or the cookies will stick together.
- Makes 30 large cookies.
I’ve never seen them frosted before, but why not 😉
Well.. because they’re good both ways;)
Ginger cookies are my favourite, but I prefer them without the icing.
The icing definitely amps up the “sweetness” factor.. they’re lovely without I thought.. plus you get to see the crackling on top:)
Cookkieess – YUM:) I actually made cookies and a pumpkin cake yesterday – got on a breaking streak – ha! Happy Sunday!
Did you ever!! I love that on the weekends!!
Beautiful picture of biscuits in the tin and a great way of writing a post. Really enjoyed it:)
I love that tin:D Thanks, Roger!
I know what the wife is doing tonight…
I hope she has time.. they’re sure worth it!
What gorgeous cookies Barbara! I love the look of them iced – delicious!
Thanks.. I’m still not certain which I prefer more.. but both are excellent. I think it’s a question of how much time I have, lol!
Flabbergasted Again! Brilliant post! Gorgeous photography! And clearly, who could argue, the most exquisite, elegant, iced Ginger Cookie in the world, ever! And I am leaving now to make them! xx, spree
Now *blushing spree.. thanks for your replies that are as sweet as the cookie! It’s so nice to have you back round here! xx
Those are seriously gorgeous cookie, Barbara :D. I love the icing.
They were so “identical” people were suspicious they weren’t store-bought. But the flavor tells the truth, eh:D Thanks!!
I love the fact that your amounts for the icing allow for two spoonfuls left over to taste! 😀 Looks yummy.
I always sample.. sometimes so much I don’t have room for the cookie once it’s baked:) xx
You continue to amaze with your artistic talents. It is pure joy to stop by…
It’s a pure joy to have you here visiting! Have an awesome day! xx
🙂
I love it
they look so good
Thanks!
Please, send some to Sweden – I am drooling! 🙂
I wish I could!! xx
Me too… :).
Totally excited to try these! Love ginger cookies. Don’t like ginger bread, though…as in BREAD, not as in gingerbread man!!
Hahaha… I never thought of ginger bread.. maybe if someone made it swirled with, like, cinnamon and brown sugar.. almost a cinnamon bun.. then maybe we’d like it:) Gingerbread Men are just around the corner:D xx
I’m looking forward to them! Somehow ginger bread is too dry…or too strong…or I don’t know! I’m glad I’m not alone!
Perfect looking cookies!
Thank you kindly!
As a teacher who tries to do the very best not to “dull the minds” of students, I also get a bit uncomfortable with that saying… And my mind is definitely open to try different recipes, even if they contain canola oil, and especially if you recommend them! 😉
I know I don’t bake cookies often enough. I should follow your lead, these look great!
BTW. I haven’t had much chance to commnent these days, but wanted to say before I forget – that your son is extremely handsome! That set of photos turned out spetacular too… If one day I need someone to make a nice photo of me and Phil together, I am flying over there! 😉
I can only say that I wish I had a teacher like you back in the day, I’d have been inspired!! No worries about the comments.. it’s impossible to see and write for each one, I totally get that.. I’m just happy when people pop by now and then! I’m not sure I should pass on your compliments.. he’s getting quite “sure” of himself these days, lol!
Your ginger cookies look fantastic especially with the frosting 😀
Love it!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Cookies are really quite photogenic, aren’t they? Thanks!
Love ginger cookies …. but I leave the icing to the professionals. Post tasteful as always. Great to be back here.
So nice to have you back, Viveka.. I’m got some reading to catch up on tonight.. see you soon 🙂 xx
I’ve never heard of using oil in the frosting…I’ve always used milk and/or water. These cookies look way too delish not to try 🙂
The frosting was more of a vegetable shortening.. like margarine I guess.. the cookie dough had the oil.. very new method for me too. I’m so glad they worked out! Sometimes I have oil in my cupboard and not butter or shortening:)
Oh yum! Oh there goes diet! Oh who cares! xx
That’s exactly what I said, lol! xx
[…] fellow blogger posted a recipe for Magnolia’s Iced Ginger Cookies here. I thought they sounded simple and yummy and decided to whip up a batch for the fam. Boy were […]
Oh my goodness! I made these this afternoon and they are delicious! So delicious in fact, that I shared the link to this post with my own readers! Thanks Smidge! Yum!
These look seriously yum. I like that you allowed a few extra spoonfuls of the icing for tasting. I so wish I could grab one of these from your lovely images. xx
I wish I could share.. I’ve been doing a little too much nibbling.. Some are now safely in my freezer. I wonder how they taste frozen, lol? xx
Do you have a recipe for crispy, crunchy (not to say “hard”) ginger cookies? That’s the kind I like best.
Hi, Sharyn.. so you mean those ultra thin ones that break easily…. or somewhat “chubby” with a real snap??
Either — as long as they crunch or break.
Nice.. I’m on the search.. or maybe you could find one too? xx
Beautiful! If I hadn’t just baked a cake, I would be making these immediately. Must wait. If I can.
Ahh… I have that problem.. I just need to start taking it all around to my neighbors so I can bake more often I guess! Once a week doesn’t seem enough!
These cookies are gorrgeeouuuss my dahhling!! YUMO!
Hahaha.. ThaaaankQ:)
Lovely cookies! Canola oil… Very interesting… I would never have guessed.
Nor would I:)
I would love these and unlike Eva, I want mine with icing. And that’s such a gorgeous white icing. I’ve never made icing with shortening before – I must try this. It’s so beautifully white. And I loved ‘A Beautiful Mind’. And I heard today Russell Crowe and his wife have separated – so sad! xx
Well, I think Hollywood does a number on most marriages?! I was afraid the icing would be lumpy, but it all blended out in the end.
A) I love all things ginger – probably related to my status as a ginger kid 😉
B) More importantly, I appreciate you for stepping outside the box. I am all too aware of “knowing” I have the best recipe for something (seriously, I will fight to the death for my pumpkin scone recipe), but it s good to remember that you have to give something new a try. Even if it isn’t better, you will learn something….
Thanks again my dear for highlighting the philosophy of the kitchen!
You have the best Pumpkin Scone Recipe?! I’ve been looking for that one:) I still have some pumpkin left in my freezer as well!! You’re right.. always learning something.. every day I hope!
Oh, I love ginger cookies or gingersnaps or whatever you’d like to call them! I have one recipe on my blog, but want to try more. A guest brought some to Christmas dinner last year, and I absolutely loved them. She gave me the recipe, and mine were good, but somehow different. Ah, the elusive replication of a favourite recipe. I’m sure there was just one little thing different between the two, but I will try again! And I think I just may try yours! I’ve never iced cookies, but life is short so why not?!
Hahaha.. go for it! And I’ll have to take a look at your recipe as well.. there’s no such thing as “The Best” that’s one thing I’m certain of!! xx
I will definitely want to frost them! 🙂 You’re right…canola oil is a big surprise, but I love the way they look! Ginger cookies are a favorite and I can’t wait! I love the “Beautiful Mind” quotes, Smidge. You are so clever! Debra
I just ate one of the frosted.. and can’t decide which I prefer.. so I guess I like both:) It was a great movie, wasn’t it? xx
So glad you found the ultimate ginger cookie 🙂
I love the stack of cookies photograph. ( I like the whole post) but that stack is PERFECT!!
Love all things ginger so going to try these. I know whatever you make is the best.
Hahaha.. I’ve seen stacks.. but I thought I should make the tallest stack I could.. they were so flat it was easy:)
These look amazing, I have a ginger cookie recipe I like but am intrigued by the adding of molasses.
After the past few days I’m wondering about sorghum? I’ve never had any but read it’s similar to molasses. xx
I love the touch of icing in those cookies
It made them pretty.. but they did taste great without too. Have a great week!
Can’t find molasses here but I think I use black treacle instead. 🙂 I’m going to try these with Half Spoon sugar substitute.
What is Half Spoon? I don’t think we have it here.. is it a great sub in baking??
It’s half sugar and half sweetener, so it’s a bit better for diabetics. Then I make the cookies smaller than usual, so the sugar and fat content is reduced further. If I do that, one cookie doesn’t seem to bounce hubby’s blood sugar. 🙂
Those look amazing before you even ice them!
They are pretty and crackly uniced for sure:)
I love ginger cookies with icing! They do look like the best ginger cookies ever. 🙂
Hahaha.. well, that’s until the next “best” ginger cookie gets invented, eh 😀 Thanks! Congrats again on your move!! xx
That stack of cookies… wow, sign me up! Such a beautiful shot. I can’t wait to taste one!
Next time I’m going to see if I can stack them all:)
I love how ginger is warming, so these are the perfect cookies for weather turning colder each day…the icing takes it over the top. 🙂
Those really are picture perfect. Not being much of a baker… do you use a scoop to get such even portions?
I do.. It is the small one with a purple handle and you just scoop and click! It makes it pretty quick too.. One of my best gadget bang for the buck!
Sent from my iPhone
I love, love a frosted cookie! Yum. Your pictures and words always make me feel hungry and cozy at the same time!!! Thank you Barbara 🙂
Now that is a stacccccccccccccccck of cookies Barb! With a moniker like the best in the world ever, who am I not to give these a try? I still want to try Nell’s sugar cookies soon too. I think I may weigh 500 lbs by the time the holidays get here… I’m always inspired by your beautiful photography!
Smidge, your food is always so pretty! I adore ginger cookies! 🙂
They look delicious Barbara, but I think I’m going to have to bake them myself just to be sure…;)
Thanks for sharing, you just have been bookmarked 🙂
I loved reading your line of thoughts on this Smidge, I don’t think we ever stop learning do we. And as I love ginger biscuits I now NEED to try this version – hmmm oil instead of butter, I’m up for trying something new, but I think I’ll skip the icing ! Thank you for sharing 🙂
They were good both ways, I should know, I did a lot of research and testing of the flavor, lol 😉
I love Roger, when are we going to go and visit him, lovely cookies, lovely pics .. oh a speaking of pictures how come I only just found your pinterest page!! It is a gorgeous collection.. c
Soon, right after your trip:D
smile.. c
I am so looking forward to trying this recipe and your photos have inspired me to reach perfection in making these cookies to resemble those soon on your blog. Many thanks for sharing….regards, James
You’re welcome, thanks for the follow!
You too are very welcome.
I love them so much you are amazing dear Barbara, I wished to eat them all 🙂 Thank you, love, nia
I will be making these for my dad’s birthday. He will LOVE them (and so will I!). And I love that movie. I should watch that one again. It always makes me think and I’m in need of a good think. 😉
Great quotes and wonderful cookies – love that frosting too!
Ahhh mouth-drooling photos Barbara! I especially love the photo of tall stack of cookies, so tempting!
These look fantastic! I used to work right down the street from this bakery and I must say, yours look better 🙂 Looking forward to trying them out 🙂
Thanks! I would love to visit that bakery!! Lucky you!!
Would be hard not to use butter, but they still look delish to me.
I wonder if they would puff and flatten the same? It would be neat to try.. maybe chilling the dough a bit so they don’t spread too far:)
Lovely as always. I’m a ginger girl and live for frosting. I’d be dipping these already frosted cookies in frosting 🙂
Now that sounds so wonderfully decadent! xx
haha! The whole way through I kept thinking– she can’t have the BEST ginger cookie recipe ever– because *i* do!! Now I feel like I need to try these…just to be sure…”self bestowed confirmation of quality and talent”…love it!!! 🙂 Great post Smidge!! The pictures are beautiful!
Hahaha, you might have the best one! I’ll have to try yours out now too:D
Great looking cookies! Smidge, your photos are b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!
Thank you Sibella!! xx
I’ve never seen them iced before either, but I bet they’re great that way – I reckon the icing would be fantastic with a bit of lemon zest inside! The cookies turned out incredibly well. The last time I tried to make ginger cookies (or “ginger nuts” as we call them in England) I ended up with little discs that were as hard as stone – ouch!
Oh, the counterpoint flavor of lemon would kick these up a notch I think! I know others who love the stone disc type of snappy cookie!
I love ginger cookies. Can these be made with fresh ginger? (I wonder…)
I’ve never done that.. I think the flavor would be much stronger.. and maybe if it were added to the moist ingredients??
I have a dear friend who ADORES all things ginger. I think I’ve just found a way to earn brownie points…
er.. gingerbread points:D
I love anything baked with ginger, especially cookies. You might want to rethink your icing, made with vegetable shortening. It’s major ingredient is a trans fat – partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. “The Harvard School of Public Health estimates that transfat has been causing about 50,000 premature heart attack deaths annually, making partially hydrogenated oil one of the most harmful ingredients in the food supply”. Some nutritionists have gone as far as to list it in the “five most harmful ingredients” group,
Thank you for stopping in and your kind words. The shortening I use is fully non-hydrogenated.. we eat fairly healthily around our house, and I’d like to think one or two cookies now and then won’t change things much. I love butter and its flavor in recipes too, it is a natural food yet a saturated fat? I’ve read wheat has its own issues. What a baker to do? I think bury my head in the “flour” and treat myself occasionally:D
I get so settled in my cookie ways as well!?! These are definitely a go for me, though I’ll leave them naked 🙂
They’d be great naked:D
I am a huge fan of ginger cookies, but don’t make them often. Sadly no one else in my family shares my enthusiasm towards them…lol I will have to give this recipe a try 🙂 Thanks for sharing
It looks delicious.
Congratulations 🙂
I’m bookmarking this one to add to my list for Christmas cookies. They look amazing and I especially love the frosting – the sweeter the better for me!
Hey!I really like your style, I just wanted to let you know my blog shop right now is changed to like my styles 🙂 Enjoy!xoxo Heidie
Isn’t it true.. there’s always another one to tempt us:) xx