Ginger in Global Sweets: Norwegian Ingefærnotter, New Zealand Ginger Crunch & More

Introduction: Ginger’s Sweet Global Journey

Ginger in global sweets isn’t just about flavor—it’s about culture, tradition, and culinary creativity. From the spiced ginger crunch bars of New Zealand to the delicate Norwegian ingefærnøtter, ginger has long infused desserts around the world with warmth and zest. Whether chewy, crisp, or coated in sugar, ginger makes desserts memorable.

Looking to add something bold and spicy to your dessert table? In this article, we’ll explore how ginger shows up in sweets across continents. Plus, you’ll get two authentic recipes you can make at home—Norwegian Ingefærnotter (Ginger Nuts) and New Zealand Ginger Crunch.

Want more spice-based recipes? Check out our cinnamon dessert collection.

The Global Love Affair with Ginger in Desserts

Why Ginger Is a Beloved Dessert Ingredient Worldwide

• Natural flavor enhancer: Its sweet heat balances sugar beautifully.
• Medicinal benefits: Ginger supports digestion—ideal post-meal.
• Tradition-rich: From Europe to Asia, ginger desserts are part of festivals, holidays, and tea-time rituals.

Historical Roots of Ginger in Sweets

• Originated in Southeast Asia, ginger made its way into Middle Eastern and European pastries during ancient spice trade routes.
• The British popularized gingerbread during the 15th century, spreading ginger cookie culture to colonies including New Zealand and Australia.

Norwegian Ingefærnotter (Ginger Nut Cookies)

These traditional Norwegian ginger cookies, known as ingefærnøtter, are crisp, mildly spiced, and perfect with coffee or tea. They’re especially popular around Christmas, but enjoyed year-round.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp golden syrup or light molasses
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp cloves
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
2. Add egg and syrup, mixing until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and spices.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until combined.
5. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment.
7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart.
8. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
10. Cool on a wire rack. Store in airtight container.

New Zealand Ginger Crunch

New Zealand’s ginger crunch is a classic café slice: a buttery shortbread base topped with rich, spicy ginger icing. It’s chewy, sweet, and has a sharp ginger punch.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (100g) sugar
• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

For the Topping:

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp golden syrup
• 2 tsp ground ginger

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment.
2. Mix all base ingredients until combined. Press into the pan evenly.
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. For the topping: melt butter, syrup, and ginger. Stir in powdered sugar.
5. Pour over warm base. Smooth with spatula.
6. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Variations of Ginger Sweets Around the World

Asian Ginger Candies

In Indonesia, ginger is crystallized or made into chewy, spicy sweets like Gingerbon, combining real ginger with cane sugar and tapioca.

American Gingerbread and Snaps

In the United States, ginger snaps and gingerbread cookies dominate the holiday season. Molasses gives them chewiness and depth.

Indian Ginger-Chili Fudge

Spicy ginger fudge or adrak burfi includes condensed milk, sugar, and fresh ginger, sometimes with a pinch of chili for heat.

British Ginger Parkin

A traditional Yorkshire cake made with oatmeal, treacle, and ginger. Moist, dense, and dark.

Check out another popular variant: Sticky Ginger Pudding recipe.

Nutritional Benefits of Ginger-Based Sweets

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Ginger contains gingerol, a bioactive compound known for reducing inflammation and supporting immunity.

Digestive Support

Ginger stimulates saliva and bile production, easing digestion—especially helpful after rich meals.

Naturally Gluten-Free Options

Ginger sweets like gingerbon or crystallized ginger are often gluten-free, making them a go-to treat for restricted diets.

Want healthy ginger dessert ideas? Explore our low-sugar ginger snack collection.

Common Mistakes When Baking with Ginger

Using Too Much Ground Ginger

Too much can overwhelm. Stick to tested ratios or balance with molasses, honey, or sugar.

Skipping Fresh Ginger

Freshly grated ginger boosts flavor, especially in no-bake recipes or frostings.

Not Sifting Dry Ingredients

Spices and baking soda can clump—always sift for an even mix.

How to Store Ginger-Based Desserts

• Cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temp for 7–10 days.
• Bars/Slices: Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for 2 months.
• Candies: Use wax paper between layers to avoid sticking. Store in cool, dry place.

Want pro-level tips? Visit our guide to storing spiced baked goods.

FAQ: Ginger in Global Sweets

Conclusion: Ginger Sweets Worth Sharing

From Norway’s crisp ingefærnøtter to New Zealand’s chewy ginger crunch, ginger proves it’s more than a spice—it’s a cross-cultural dessert star. With health perks, bold flavor, and centuries of tradition, ginger in global sweets delivers comfort and excitement with every bite.

Ready to bring ginger into your kitchen? Start with one of the recipes above, or browse our growing dessert archive.

Discover more spice-forward recipes at Adrian Recipes.