Christmas Cookie #6- Molasses Cookies

When I was in grade six I remember my best friend bringing the BEST cookies in her lunch nearly everyday around Christmas time. I also remember her sharing them with me and how I loved every bite.

When we were first married I tried to make the cookies like I remembered them as a little girl. Chewy, yummy, spicy Christmas-y cookies. Yet, every time I tried a recipe they came out hard as rocks.
I think my problem was that I couldn’t remember what my friends’ cookies were called. I was making gingerbread recipes rather than molasses ones.
It wasn’t until last year that I finally found this amazing recipe. Now and forevermore my holidays will not be complete without them.
They are super crunchy on the outside and super chewy on the inside- just like the cookies in my friends’ lunchbox.

Our lesson: God loves it when we share what we have. And just like my friend shared her cookies with me, we are excited to share our cookies with others too 🙂

Molasses Cookies
( joyofbaking.com)

2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/3 cup molasses
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
Garnish: white sugar

In a small bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and spices.

In a large bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 mins.) Add the oil, molasses, egg and vanilla and beat until incorporated. Beat in the flour mixture until well incorporated. Cover and chill the batter until firm (about 2 hours or overnight).

Place about a cup of sugar in a small bowl. Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Then roll balls in the sugar, coating them thoroughly. Place on baking sheet and with the bottom of a glass flatten them slightly.

Bake at 375 degrees for 9-10 minutes, or until the tops have crinkled (they will look a little underdone.)
Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
Makes about 3 dozen cookies.