Bakery-Style Molasses Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. In a small bowl, place the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar for rolling.
7. Roll rounded tablespoons of dough into balls, then roll each ball in the granulated sugar.
8. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly crisp, and the centers are still soft.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.