Thin and crisp, not too spicy, with a light
molasses flavor. The vanilla icing gives the cookies a lovely
finish.
Iced Molasses Drops
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
3 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
1 large egg
Icing:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
pinch of salt
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
- Preheat the oven to 350*F (175*C), grease
two baking sheets (or line with parchment baking paper). In a
small bowl, stir or whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt
and spices.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and
brown sugar. Gradually add the molasses, blending well after
each addition. Add the egg and beat again. Gradually add the
flour mixture, blending well after each addition.
- Drop the dough by rounded teaspoons, 2
inches apart onto prepared baking sheet. Use a flour dipped fork
to flatten each drop slightly.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies
are a rich brown; do not let the edges burn. Transfer immediately
to wire racks to cool.
- Make the icing, if using: stir together
the melted butter, vanilla, milk and salt. Add the powdered sugar
and beat until smooth. This icing sets quickly, so if you're
not going to use it immediately, cover it with plastic wrap pressed
directly onto the surface of the icing.
- Top each cookie with about 1/2 teaspoon
of icing and spread with a small spatula. Leave the iced cookies
on waxed paper or wire racks until the icing is firm.
Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies.