Chef Emilie's Danish Ginger Snap Cookies

Anna Johnson
Brown square ginger snap cookies in a blue and white patterned bowl on a brown background

Make these sweet treats for Santa, your holiday host or yourself. 

Institute of Culinary Education Chef-Instructor Emilie Berner whipped up this delightful Danish Ginger Snap Cookies recipe just in time for Christmas.

The cookies come together quickly and offer a unique twist on the classic gingersnap with their chunks of fresh and candied ginger. Plus, they turn a gorgeous glossy dark brown when baked.

Here's how to make them at home.

Recipe

Danish Ginger Snap Cookies

Brown square ginger snap cookies in a blue and white patterned bowl on a brown background
Servings: 30 to 40 cookies
Prep Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes
  1. 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted 1 cup coconut sugar 2 Tbsp butter, unsalted 1/3 cup molasses
  2. 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
  3. 1 Tbsp ginger powder
  4. 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  5. 2 2/3 cup spelt flour or whole wheat pastry flour
  6. 1 tsp baking soda
  7. 1/8 tsp salt
  8. 1 egg
  9. 3/4 cup chopped raw pecans
  10. 3 Tbsp chopped candied ginger
  11. 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
  1. Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap, with several inches overhanging each side.
  2. Combine coconut oil, sugar, butter, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
  3. Pour into heatproof bowl or measuring cup and let cool to room temperature.
  4. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, and whisk to combine.
  5. Pour the oil mixture into the flour mixture, and add the egg, mixing to combine well.
  6. Stir in pecans, grated ginger, and candied ginger.
  7. Transfer to the prepared loaf pan. Fold the plastic over the dough, and press into an even layer.
  8. Chill for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
  9. When you're ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 400 F°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  10. Lift the dough from the pan, and unwrap it. Cut it in half lengthwise.
  11. Rewrap one piece and return to fridge while you work with the other half.
  12. Slice the other piece crosswise into very thin cookies, about the thickness of a graham cracker.
  13. Place onto prepared pans, leaving 1 inch between cookies.
  14. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown.
  15. Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
Anna Johnson, a brunette woman in a dark green dress, smiles in front of a wall with pictures of plated food and bread on it

Anna Johnson is the Content Manager at the Institute of Culinary Education Los Angeles as well as a current Plant-Based Culinary Arts student. She loves telling stories about anything food- and beverage-related, with a special interest in sustainability, accessibility and advocacy within the hospitality world. Follow her culinary school journey on social media at @yumgoddess.