Old Fashioned Soft Molasses Cookies

Here is a classic recipe for Old Fashioned Soft Molasses Cookies:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Add the molasses and egg to the butter-sugar mixture, and mix until combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Shape the Cookies:
   Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (you can use a tablespoon to measure) and roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat it lightly.
7. Bake the Cookies:
   Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. The edges should look slightly cracked.
8. Cool the Cookies:
   Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• For even softer cookies, you can reduce the baking time slightly.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• You can also add a bit of chopped crystallized ginger or a handful of raisins for added texture and flavor.

Enjoy your homemade old-fashioned soft molasses cookies!