My mom developed this ultimate holiday cookie recipe by combining several cookie inspirations. Not only is this a dark, complex molasses cookie with a solid amount of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, she also adds white pepper & dry mustard to intensify heat, complementing the spiciness of the ginger. If that wasn't enough, she rolls the cookies in orange sugar for a floral contrast.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons cloves
- 4 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 3 sticks butter, softened but still cool
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup molasses
For the Orange Sugar
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons grated orange zest
