RECIPES  OF THE WEEK

Soft Molasses Cookies

8 ounces unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
½ cup mild molasses
2 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves
2 large eggs
3 ½ cups flour
Sugar for coating dough

Preheat oven to 350º.  In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add molasses, beating on low, then the baking soda and spices.  Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Scrape down sides of bowl as needed.  Mix in the flour on low until incorporated.  Cover bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.  Using a disher, scoop out the dough into 1 ½ inch balls.  Roll in sugar and place on baking sheets, leaving space in-between each cookie.  Bake for about 10 minutes.  Centers will be puffy.  Cool on baking sheets for about 10 minutes then transfer to cooling rack.