Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl using a whisk or electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This should take about 2-3 minutes, and you'll see the color lighten and the texture become mousse-like.
- Add the molasses and egg to the creamed mixture. Whisk until fully combined, resulting in a smooth, cohesive batter with a rich, dark hue and a fragrant aroma of ginger and spices.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding or mixing on low speed until a sticky dough forms. The dough should be slightly tacky but manageable.
- Portion the dough into small balls or use a rolling pin to roll out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly if desired for a thinner cookie.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the surface shows slight crackling. Remove from oven, let cool slightly on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, revealing a textured, lightly cracked surface with a fragrant, spicy aroma.
Notes
For a spicier kick, increase the ginger or add a pinch of black pepper to the dry ingredients. Cookies improve in flavor after a day of resting in an airtight container.