Ginger Molasses Cookies

Hi Friends:

I feel the need to confess that I am in a long term committed relationship with Starbucks' pastry case. It's no accident that you have to walk by it before ordering. Let's face it, aren't we all looking for the perfect match for our beverage? But, like any relationship, there have been highs and lows. Do any of you remember Lemon Knots? I loved every tender, tangy bite. And the Chocolate Cupcakes...oh, they were moist and flavorful without being too sweet. Starbucks, bring them back; letting go has just been so hard! What about the Cake Pops you ask.  Please, I'm gonna need more than one bite! Occasionally, I've ordered a Cranberry Orange Scone or an Iced Lemon Loaf, but not with the same fervor. And then, along came the Ginger Molasses Cookie and I was happy again; but they, too, have disappeared from my neck of the woods. So broken up about this, I've been on a search for a good recipe so I could make them myself. Eureka! I've settled on the Ginger Spiced Molasses Sugar Cookie from FOOD52. If you're a fan of this cookie, give this recipe a try - it couldn't be more simple! (Click the link for complete instructions.)

 Combine 2 1/4 cups flour, 2 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. ground cloves, and 1/2 tsp. each of ground ginger, allspice and salt in a bowl and mix well.

 Beat 3/4 cups unsalted butter and 3/4 cups packed dark brown sugar in bowl of electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Add one large egg and 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses and mix to combine.

Stir in dry ingredients just until combined. Too much gluten development will result in a tough cookie. Cover and refrigerate batter for one hour.

Roll dough into 1 1/2" balls and then roll balls in granulated sugar. 

Arrange on a parchment lined baking sheet, gently flatten and bake in a 375 degree oven for 11 to 12 minutes or until crinkled on top. 
For a chewy center, do not over bake. 

Scrumptious! When I find myself at Starbucks now, I always order a Brown Sugar Walnut Tart if I see them - perfect shortbread crust and just the right amount of spice, and I'm a fan of the seasonal Cranberry-Bliss Bars! What's next Starbucks? Do you need my input? I'm available for your consumer surveys!