Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies

As promised yesterday, here is a delicious and easy recipe for molasses spice cookies. This was the first time I'd made these cookies in a long time, and after tasting one (or two or three), I couldn't believe I've missed out on eating these every Christmas!

These are the ultimate chewy cookie. The molasses adds the best texture and the spices add great flavor. You don't need a mixer to make this - just melt the butter and stir everything together. So easy! You can make the dough ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake later.

This recipe came from Got Milk? The Cookie Book and all I changed was adding more salt.

Molasses Spice Cookies

Makes about 2 dozen cookies

1 1/2 sticks salted or unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/4 cup dark unsulphured molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 1/3 cup sugar
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg, lightly beaten

In a small or medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the molasses and vanilla. Set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, 1 cup sugar, baking soda, spices, and salt. Whisk to combine.

Add the beaten egg to the cooled butter mixture and mix well with a fork. Using a rubber spatula, fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Cover the bowl and refirgerate until firm enough to form balls, about 15 minutes. While dough is in the fridge, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Pour remaining 1/3 cup sugar into small bowl. Scoop out walnut-size pieces of the dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Toss the balls in the sugar to coat completely and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the centers no longer appear raw. For chewier cookies, take them out sooner. For crispy cookies, leave them in longer. Let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

These last a long time if they're stored in an airtight container. Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.

Merry Christmas and may you be blessed as you reflect on our Savior's birth!