Molasses Chews

Fall has arrived! The leaves are gorgeous and air is cool! Running is more enjoyable and days off can be filled with outdoor activities. One of my favorite things about fall, is our annual Halloween bonfire party. I am so excited to see everyone in their costumes, enjoying the fire, tasty food and good company! As I am preparing for our party this evening, I've been staying busy making tasty treats to share with all. One of my favorite fall and winter recipes is for Molasses Chews. Steve said they might be is very favorite cookie. I am inclined to agree and decided they would be a great addition to our meal tonight.
Beware however, these cookies are highly addictive and you will eat a dozen before you know it!

Molasses Chews

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
3/4 cups (1.5 sticks) salted butter, softened
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1/3 cup for rolling cookies
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsulphered molasses ( I used Brer Rabbit)

Preheat oven to 375 F. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl and set aside
Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy at medium speed. Add egg, vanilla and molasses and continue mixing until combined. Add dry ingredients and beat at low speed until just combined.
Place remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a bowl. Roll cookie dough into 1 1/2 in balls and then roll in the sugar. Place rolled balls on an ungreased cookie sheet spacing about 1 1/2 in apart.
Bake for about 10 minutes or until cookies are cracked, centers are soft and puffy, and edges are just set. Cool cookies on sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Note: Be very careful not to overcook, as the cookies will turn out hard and dry.