The Cookbook

Molasses Ginger Cookies


1 1/2 sticks of butter, softened
1 cup sugar, plus more for rolling
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Red hot candies

Preheat the oven to 375° F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats. Using an electric mixer at low speed, cream the butter and sugar until thoroughly combined. Add the egg, vanilla and molasses and beat until completely incorporated. Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, pepper, allspice and salt and add to the mixture. Stir until combined. Roll the dough into balls about 1-inch in diameter. Roll the balls in sugar. Place a Red hot in the center of each. Place 1/2-inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 11 minutes. Cool on cookie sheets for 5 minutes, then cool on wire racks.

Flash McCord