Molasses Cookies

These have been designated as Santa’s cookies that we put by the fireplace along side carrots since Kelly was a baby and have become Kelly’s favorite cookie as she got older and still are today. As a tradition these cookies are only made once a year — for Christmas morning breakfast. Making them an extra special treat.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup plus 1/3 cup sugar, divided

1 large egg, beaten

1/4 cup molasses

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

1/3 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Beat butter and 1 cup sugar until creamy. Add egg and molasses. Mix well.

Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Stir in crystallized ginger. Blend the flour mixture into the butter mixture until all is incorporated.

Chill the dough until firm, 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place the remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a shallow dish. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll in the sugar. Bake cookies until they crackle on top, 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Recipe by: Allrecipes