National Gingersnap Day
Bake your own gingersnaps, or visit a bakery and indulge in the slightly-spicy, sweet treat. Snap a picture and share it on social media to spread the word.
Fancy a sweet and yet spicy snack? If you’re a fan of the humble biscuit, you’re probably already aware of the legendary gingersnap.
A tough, crunchy and (obviously) ginger-y treat, the gingersnap has long been a popular teatime treat across the world. And today, it’s all about taking a moment to appreciate just how great these little biccies are.
Depending on where you go, you might get a slightly different biccie from different regional variant recipes – but wherever you are, raise a cup of tea to the ginger biscuit today and be sure to join in by tucking into one…or three!
How to Celebrate National Gingersnap Day
A fan of biscuits? Today, make sure your midday snack includes at least one tasty gingersnap!
You can make your own gingersnap biscuits quite easily at home too if you are feeling especially creative today, and want to channel your inner chef.
To make the cookie, you will need the basics – butter, brown sugar, golden syrup or maple syrup, some plain flour and of course the titular ginger spice that makes it so distinctive.
You can use ginger flavoring if you want to keep things nice and simple, but you can use ground fresh ginger if you want to make them super yummy.
The resultant cookies should be circular, of a medium thickness, and have a lovely cracked top that looks a bit like a dry riverbed!
Make sure you share your creations on social media using the hashtag #gingersnapday!
History of National Gingersnap Day
This tough little biscuit is often known as a ‘ginger nut’ in Australia, New Zealand and in the United Kingdom, but the makeup of them remains pretty much the same when you get down to it.
In the United Kingdown especially, they are very popular. Because of how tough they are and how slow they are to disintegrate when wet, they are often cited as being one of the best biccies to dunk in your cup of tea by the Great British public – who, as avid tea drinkers, should know!
In New Zealand, ginger biscuits are the most popular biscuit around – again, because they can withstand being dunked into hot liquid much better than other biscuits.
The term ‘gingersnap’ is usually most used in the United States. Though the recipe for them is very much the same as elsewhere, sometimes they are made with maple syrup too.
National Gingersnap Day FAQs
Why are gingersnaps trending in the vegan and gluten-free baking world?
Many vegan bakers use gingersnaps as they don’t rely heavily on eggs for structure.
Gluten-free versions thrive because ginger’s bold flavor shines in alternative flours like almond or oat flour. These cookies are adaptable and flavorful, making them a hit in modern diets.
What’s the weirdest gingersnap flavor mashup created recently?
A café in Tokyo offers wasabi-infused gingersnaps, blending the spice of ginger with the sharp kick of wasabi. It’s a bold twist on tradition!
Do gingersnaps have any unexpected ties to pop culture?
Yes! Gingersnaps inspired the name of the cult Canadian horror film series Ginger Snaps. The cookies symbolized the fiery personality of the lead character, Ginger.
Are gingersnaps making a comeback in craft cocktails?
Absolutely. Mixologists are using crushed gingersnaps to rim glasses for holiday cocktails, pairing them with spiced rum or ginger beer for a seasonal zing.
Can you make a savory dish with gingersnaps?
Yes! German sauerbraten often uses crushed gingersnaps in its marinade, blending the cookie’s spice with the dish’s tangy flavor.
What’s the most unusual gingersnap-related competition?
In Denmark, there’s an annual “Pepparkakor Throwing Contest.” Participants see how far they can toss a gingersnap, mixing holiday fun with friendly rivalry.
How are social media influencers redefining gingersnaps?
Influencers are turning gingersnaps into edible art, using intricate icing to create elaborate cookie designs for viral posts.
What’s a surprising modern pairing for gingersnaps?
Cheeseboards! Gingersnaps add a sweet-and-spicy contrast to creamy cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar, elevating the charcuterie trend.
What’s the craziest gingersnap-themed food product?
A brand in Sweden released gingersnap-flavored potato chips, blending the sweetness of the cookies with a salty crunch.
What’s the most unexpected place you’ll find gingersnaps today?
Ice cream shops. Gingersnap crumbles are trending as a topping for soft-serve, adding spicy crunch to creamy desserts.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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