SavvyHQ Bake-Off Recipe 5

Nothing says Christmas like the warm smell of spicy ginger and nutmeg. This year, Holly, our Production Manager and EatSavvy photographer has submitted a new favourite cookie for our second annual Savvy HQ Bake-Off. Holly wanted to make a gingerbread-seasoned cookie, but without all the work that is involved in making a traditional cut cookie (rolling the dough, cookie cutters, decorating, etc). She especially liked this two-step recipe she found, because she could make the dough one day and the baking, another. For busy moms, this makes a lot of sense. These Soft & Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies are delicious!

Soft & Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies
Adapted from a Cook’s Illustrated recipe

Makes 22 cookies

You’ll Need

• 2¼ cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp fresh grated nutmeg
• 12 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup molasses
• ½ cup granulated sugar, for rolling

Prep and Cook

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium size bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg. In the bowl of a standing mixer, beat the butter and both sugars together until well blended—about 2 minutes. Add the egg yolk and vanilla, and mix until incorporated. Add the molasses, beat until blended—scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again for another minute to insure that everything is well blended. Reduce mixer speed to low, add the flour mixture and beat just until well mixed.
3. Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls, refrigerate overnight, roll in the granulated sugar and place on prepared sheet.
4. Bake the cookies for approximately 10–11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still appear underdone. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.

What is your favourite holiday cookie?