Gingerbread Cookies

• servings: 3 dozen 3in cookies
• active time: 8-10 minutes

Ingredients

¾ cup (1½ sticks, 6 ounces) unsalted butter

¾ cup (6 ounces) light or dark brown sugar

¾ cup (9 ounces) molasses

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground ginger

¼ teaspoon allspice or ground cloves

1 large egg

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

3½ cups (14¾ ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour

Directions

This molasses-dark, ginger-and-spice flavored cookie is perfect for gingerbread men.

We roll it a bit thicker than usual, to give the cookies just a hint of "chew." While ginger is often thought of as a winter baking flavor, we've found that ginger pairs well with various fruits, too. Ginger and peach is an especially wonderful combination; try gingerbread cookies served with fresh sliced peaches, or a peach crumble topped with gingerbread cookie crumbs.

Baking temperature: 375°F