Molasses Cookies

There has been a light snow falling most of the day here. It's my favorite kind of snow--the kind that doesn't stick to the road. Not that I'm out driving anyway, but I don't have to shovel it either...yet. It just seems to float. The flakes are big and fat-the kind you can catch on your tongue. Just beautiful.

The snow picked up a bit as I was taking out Molasses Cookies from the oven. With Christmas music playing, a nice snow and the scent of spice in the kitchen, it was special. It was almost like living in a Christmas card.

The Molasses Cookie recipe is from All-recipes.com and if you want to read the reviews and see more just click on the title above and it will take you right to the page. (Mine don't quite look as fat as in the picture, but they sure taste good!)

Here's the recipe with my own additions:

Crackle Top Molasses Cookies

2/3 C. butter, softened
1 C. white sugar
1 egg
1/4 C. molasses
2 C. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 heaping tsp. of cinnamon
1 heaping tsp. of ginger
1/2 heaping tsp. of ground cloves
A mixture of clear sanding sugar and regular white sugar (or just plain sugar)--for rolling cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. In a large bowl mix butter and 1 C. sugar. Add egg, beat well. Stir in molasses, 2 C. flour, baking soda, and spices. If necessary, add more flour to make a firm dough.

3. Shape dough into 1/2 inch balls. Roll in sugar mixture. Place 3 in. apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8-10 mins. or until tops crack. Remove from baking sheet and cool on waxed paper.

This is a stiff dough. It will be a workout if you mix by hand. Use your heavy duty mixer, if you have one. Don't try your hand electric mixer...I almost killed mine.

Be sure to try them warm.