It's no secret I adore cookies, and while I made tons of cookies during the holidays, I completely forgot to bake one of my favorites. I always loved when my mother would do holiday spice cookies. These are sure to be a big hit if you choose to bake them during the holidays or even after!
Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp ground ginger1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ground cloves
3/4 cup vegetable shortening
2/3 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a cookie sheet by lining with with parchment or wax paper.
In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, pepper and cloves. Set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat the shortening and brown sugar until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, molasses and vanilla and mix for another minute. Slowly add the flour mixture until all is combined.
Place the granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Using a tablespoon, roll the dough into balls, then roll in the sugar and place on parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using a glass, press the balls to a little less than 1/2 inch thick and sprinkle with a little more sugar.
Bake, rotating the pan 1/2 way through until the edges are firm, around 10-12 mintues. Cook slightly then transfer to a wire rack.
