OLD-FASHIONED MOLASSES COOKIES

Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups New Orleans molasses
• 2 teaspoons Ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons Baking soda
• 1/2 cup Hot water
• 3 cups All-purpose flour, sifted (Quantity estimated (not specified in original recipe))
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour, for dusting (Quantity estimated (not specified in original recipe))

Instructions

1. 1In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and molasses until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. 2Add the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
3. 3In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the hot water. Stir until fully dissolved.
4. 4Add the baking soda mixture to the molasses mixture and stir well. Gradually add the sifted flour, stirring until just combined. The dough should be light and just stiff enough to roll out.
5. 5Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour. Rub the rolling pin with flour. Flour your hands. Take a portion of the dough and place it on the floured surface. Quickly roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (with or without scallops) to cut out the cookies.
6. 6Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the cut-out cookies on well-floured baking pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.