Soft and Chewy Molasses Cookies

Ingredients

• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp ground ginger
• 4 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups salted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups fancy molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Golden granulated sugar crystals*

Directions

1. Combine flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a bowl; set aside.
2. Using medium speed of an electric mixer, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add molasses and beat until caramel coloured. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. Using low speed, gradually beat in flour mixture just until blended. Chill dough in freezer for 1 hour or just until firm.
4. Shape 2 tbsp measures of dough into balls. Roll balls in sugar crystals. Place balls 2 inches apart on parchment paper-lined cookie sheets.
5. Bake at 375°F for 15 - 17 minutes or until tops of cookies are crackled and centres are just set.
6. Let cookies stand for 2 minutes on cookie sheets. Remove from cookie sheets and cool cookies on racks.
7. Store, layered with wax paper, in an airtight container for up to 1 week. May be frozen.