Ginger Spice Cookies

By MarieR

This recipe came to us from our marketing program manager, Julie Christopher, who claims it as her signature cookie. "The combination of molasses, ginger, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon dances in your mouth and leaves a lasting impression," she says.
The diced crystallized ginger and sparkling white sugar are must-haves for optimal results, and Julie recommends preparing the cookie dough a day ahead of when you plan to bake the cookies, allowing the flavors to blend and enhance one another. King Arthur Flour, October 2014.

Ingredients

• Hands-on time: 15 mins. to 20 mins.
• Baking time: 10 mins. to 15 mins.
• Total time: 35 mins. to 50 mins.
• Yield: 3 dozen cookies
• 2 1/4 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 3/4 cup (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup diced crystallized ginger
• 1/4 cup molasses
• sparkling white sugar, for coating

Preparation

Step 1

1) In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.
2) In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3) Beat in the egg, crystallized ginger, and molasses.
4) Add the dry ingredients, beating gently until evenly blended.
5) Cover the bowl and chill the dough for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes; overnight refrigeration is preferable, if you have the time.
6) Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease two baking sheets, or line with parchment paper.
7) Shape the dough into 1" balls, and roll each ball in sparkling sugar.
8) Place the balls of dough 2" to 3" apart on the prepared pans.
9) Bake the cookies in the center of the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until they're golden and set.
10) Remove the cookies from the oven, and cool them right on the pans.
Yield: 3 dozen cookies.