TWD: Sugar-Topped Molasses Spice Cookies

Pamela of Cookies with Boys decided on Sugar-Topped Molasses Spice Cookies (you can find them on pages 76 and 77 of Dorie's book).  Throughout the years I have tried several variations of molasses cookies, from soft and chewy to hard and crunchy, and I have to say these turned out to be pretty darn good. The cookies  were crisp, sweet and spicy. A little zip was provided by the ginger and black pepper while the sweetness of the molasses gave these cookies a really well-rounded flavor.

After school, this crispy cookie is just right for dunking in a glass of ice cold milk.  If you have any left by dessert time, they also make fabulous ice cream sandwiches. Combined with sweet vanilla ice cream the spices from the cookies really shined, and the cookies were perfectly crunchy on the top and bottom. These cookies were also super easy to make and used ingredients I almost always have, so I know I will be making them again soon!

Sugar-Topped Molasses Spice Cookies
Dorie Greenspan
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt 
2 teaspoons ground ginger 
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
pinch cracked or coarsely ground black pepper3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses (not blackstrap)
1 large egg
1/2 cup sugar, for rolling

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice and pepper.

Working with a stand mixer, preferably fitted with a paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the brown sugar and molasses and beat for 2 minutes or so to blend, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the egg and beat for 1 minute more. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients, mixing until the flour and spices disappear. If some flour remains in the bottom of the bowl, to avoid over-beating the dough, mix in the last of the dry ingredients by hand with a rubber spatula. You'll have a smooth, very soft dough.

Divide the dough in half and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Freeze for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for at least 1 hour. (The dough can be kept refrigerated for up to 4 days.)
Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Put the sugar in a small bowl.

Working with one packet of dough at a time, divide it into 12 pieces, and roll each piece into a smooth ball between your palms. One by one, roll the balls around in the bowl of sugar , then place them on one of the baking sheets. Dip the bottom of a glass into the sugar and use it to press down on the cookies until they are between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick.
Bake the cookies one sheet at a time for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the tops feel set to the touch. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and, if the cookies have spread and are touching, use the edge of a metal spatula to separate them while they are still hot.

Transfer the cookies to a rack to cool to room temperature. Repeat with the second batch of dough. Yield: about 24 fairly large cookies (I got a few more)

Storage: The cookies will keep for at least 1 week in the cookie jar. Wrapped airtight, they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Thanks Pam for picking such a winner.  If you want to make these cookies  you'll find the recipe at  Cookies with Boys .