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Spicy Gingerbread Holiday Warmth Hugs

Oh honey, these gingerbread cookies are like a warm hug from Grandma! They're perfectly spiced with just the right amount of molasses, and they fill your house with the most amazing holiday aroma. My kids start asking for these in October, and they're always the first to vanish at cookie exchanges!
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup 1½ sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup molasses not blackstrap
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar for rolling

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Beat butter and brown sugar together until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add molasses and egg, beating until well combined and smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
  5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
  6. Chill dough for 15 minutes if too sticky to handle.
  7. Roll dough into 1½-inch balls, then roll in granulated sugar to coat.
  8. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are puffed and crackled on top but still soft in the center.
  10. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.