October 29, 2010

My Favorite Molasses Cookies

 

My favorite cookies in the whole world are molasses cookies. I love the chewy inside and the crisp outside. I love the taste of molasses and the ginger - perfection! I haven't found any store bought version that I like as much as homemade. The closest I've come with store bought ones were from Costco.
I've included two version of this delicious cookie. The original comes from Southern Living and it's my family's favorite. The chocolate version comes from Martha Stewart and many of my friends prefer this version. Try both and you decide. These are perfect cookies to make as Christmas presents for friends and family.

Molasses Cookies
Makes 2 1/2 dozen

3/4 c shortening
1 c sugar
1 egg
1/4 molasses
2 c flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 c sugar

Cream shortening in mixing bowl with sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses and beat again. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Add flour mixture to mixing bowl in small amounts until well mixed. Chill dough for 1 hour (or if you are lazy, in a hurry or otherwise don't care, just skip this step and start making balls.)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Shape dough into 1" balls and roll in the 1/4 c sugar. Put on cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.


Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies
Makes 2 dozen

1 1/2 c plus 1 tbsp flour
1 1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 stick unsalted butter
1 tbsp freshly grated peeled ginger
1/2 c dark brown sugar
1/2 c molasses
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp boiling water
7 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 c sugar

Whisk together first six ingredients in a bowl. In mixer bowl beat the butter and fresh ginger on medium speed until creamy. Add brown sugar and molasses and mix again.

In a small bowl dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water. Beat half of the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Beat in dissolved baking soda and then remaining flour. Mix in chocolate on low. Refrigerate dough until firm (at least 2 hours).

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Roll the dough into 1 1/2" balls and roll in the 1/4 c sugar. Place on cookie sheets and make for 10 minutes.


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