[rzn]

SUGAR-TOPPED MOLASSES SPICE COOKIES

2 1/3 C FLOUR
2 t BAKING SODA
½ t SALT
2 t GROUND GINGER
½ t GROUND CINNAMON
¼ t GROUND ALLSPICE
PINCH GROUND BLACK PEPPER
1 ½ STICKS UNSALTED BUTTER
1 C LIGHT BROWN SUGAR
½ C MOLASSES
1 EGG
~1/2 C SUGAR FOR ROLLING


Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, & cracked pepper. Beat the butter on medium speed until it is smooth & creamy. Add the brown sugar & molasses & beat for 2 minutes until blended. Add the egg & beat for 1 minute more. Reduce the mixer speed to low & add the dry ingredients, mixing until the flour & spices disappear. If some of the flour remains in the bottom of the bowl, avoid overbeating the dough & mix in the last of the dry ingredients by hand. You’ll have a smooth, very soft dough. Divide the dough in half, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, chill for at least 1 hr. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets. Put the sugar in a small bowl. Working with one packet of dough at a time, break off 12 pieces & 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 the baking sheet. Dip the bottom of a glass into the sugar & use it to press down on the cookies until they are between ¼ & ½ inch thick. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the tops of the cookies feel set to the touch. Transfer the cookies to a rack to cool.
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thinking along the lines of replacing the spices w/ about 1/4C cocoa & the molassass w/ 1/4C karo syrup & 1/4C unsweetened melted chocolate?[/FONT]