For the holidays, I wanted to make a dessert that reminded me of my own personal history and related to my ancestry of Irish Americans. Typically, the first food you think of when you think of a typical Irish dessert is Irish Soda Bread.

I wanted to see what other sweets the Irish enjoyed, and upon researching this notion, I found out that a traditional Irish treat are gingersnap cookies (upon even further research, I found German and English also claim these treats as their origin, which worked out a little perfectly since I am about 75% Irish, and the remaining percentages made up of German and English — no wonder they remind me of family).

Gingersnaps take me back to being a young child at my grandparents house. If there was one thing that was always certain, it’s that after dinner, there was always gingersnap cookies to be had. They were my Grandpa’s favorite. My grandma used to make them home-made, but when she got sick, she no longer could bake as she used to and would instead buy them from the store. I unfortunately never found out what recipe it was she used. In memory of both of my grandparents, I decided to find a recipe for ginger snaps and recreate them on my own to be shared during the holiday season with all of my family.

Step 1: Step 1: Gather Ingredients

2 C sifted all-purpose flour
1 T ground ginger
2 t baking soda
1 t ground cinnamon
1/2 t salt
3/4 C shortening (I used room-temperature unsalted butter instead)
1 C sugar
1 egg
1/4 C dark molasses
1/3 C cinnamon sugar

Step 2: Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 3: Step 3: Mix Together Remaining Ingredients

In another large mixing bowl, beat together butter with sugar. Add the egg, and slowly mix in the molasses.

Step 4: Step 4: Mix Together

Next, start to slowly mix the dry ingredients into this bowl. Beat all together. Cookie dough will finally start coming together -- resist temptation! It's delicious.

Step 5: Step 5: Roll Em' Out!

Roll dough into one inch balls. I coated mine with powdered sugar for extra taste. You can also coat them in cinnamon sugar, or get creative! Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar will work too, and will be sure to delight guests.

Step 6: Step 6: Bake!

Bake for 10 minutes on the lowest oven shelf at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. When done, they should be golden brown and slightly crackling on the top.

Step 7: Step 7: Let Cookies Cool, and Enjoy!

The best part is finally here. After cookies have cooled for at least 15-20 minutes, eat up and enjoy! Be sure to share with friends and family. This is certain to become a favorite!