Gingerbread and Gingersnaps...? (difference?)?!
Answers: I would like to make hard, crunchy gingerbread that isn't super spicy, specifically so because I remember eating ones like that a long time ago. They were also rather light coloured. However, I've been reading that crunchy gingerbread are actually ginger snaps? Is this so? Then others say that gingerbread recipes that specifically say "gingerbread MEN" will be crunchy instead of soft, so I am also confused with that. I am looking for recipes so I want to find the right thing. I am a beginner in baking, so.. please help!
I am actually making gingerbread men as Im typing this. gingerbread men, are made from gingerbread...hence the name. Gingersnaps, are only spiced with ginger, have a thinner dough that is piped out with a pastry bag, and really crisp when baked, hence the reason for the snap in their name. Gingerbread, is spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and ground clove, has a thick, rollable dough to use with cute lil gingerbread cookie cutters. If you have gingerbread that was really spicy, the recipe that was used may have had too much spice for the amount of dough. Try using my recipe ( the one Im baking right now) to see if you like it. For me, its not too spiced, I think it is very well balanced.
Gingerbread
11 oz butter
8 oz (weight) brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
2 1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
2 eggs
11 oz (weight) molasses or dark corn syrup
1 lb 8 oz (weight) all purpose flour
Cream butter and sugar together till fluffy with mixer. Add eggs and molasses. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Roll onto floured surface to 1/4 inch thick, cut into shapes, place on parchment lined or greased cooking sheet. Bake at 360 for 12-15 mins, until lightly golden around edges, and firm in the center.
Gingerbread, does come out crunchy btw.
Gingerbread is just that...a bread. Gingersnaps are really crispy cookies that are flavored with ginger; they are a bit spicy but delicious!
Look for the ginger bread men recipe, you'll be happy. That is the same dough you'd build gingerbread houses from you can't do that with gingersnap dough it is too soft. Ginger bread is a cake dough.