You may be asking yourself: who the f is Mary Larson? Nobody knows. Mary Larson is like Bigfoot or the Lochness Monster – she may have existed at some point, but we have little evidence. Mary Larson’s ginger snaps have been circulating my family for generations and are one of our favorite recipes. Finally, we share it with you.

Mary Larson’s Ginger Snaps

Ingredients

• 3/4 c shortening
• 1 egg
• 1 c sugar
• 1/4 c molasses
• 2 c flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• sugar for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Mix all ingredients together. Dough will be a light brown color and light in texture.
3. Roll 1/2 inch balls and roll completely in sugar. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until flat and cracked tops (see photos). I like them on the darker side to give a better “snap”.