Molasses sugar cookies

December 20, 2006

Makes 2 dozen

2	cups flour
2	teaspoons baking soda
1/2	teaspoon ground cloves
1/2	teaspoon ground ginger
1/2	teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2	teaspoon salt
3/4	cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1	cup sugar
1/4	cup molasses
1	egg
	Extra sugar (for rolling)

1. Set the oven at 375 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In an electric mixer on low speed, combine the butter and sugar. Beat just until they are combined. Beat in the molasses, then the egg.

4. With the mixer set on its lowest speed, add flour mixture and beat until it is thoroughly combined.

5. Gather the batter into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.

6. Break off 1-inch pieces of the batter and roll them into balls. Roll in sugar and place on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake the cookies, 1 sheet at a time, for 8 to 10 minutes or until they are set. Let them settle on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool. Adapted from Bob Millard