Molasses Crinkle Cookies

Happy holiday baking!

Molasses Crinkle Cookies

(makes 3 dozen)

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg

1/4 cup molasses

1/2 teaspoon orange zest

2 cups flour

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1 teaspoon cloves, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon)

1 tablespoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup turbinado sugar (white sugar also works)

1.  Beat butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla until fluffy, about 4 minutes.
2. Add egg, molasses, and zest.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt.  Gradually add to butter mixture until combined.  Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
5.  Roll dough into 1-inch balls.Roll dough balls in turbinado sugar to coat and place two inches apart on a baking pan.
6. Bake 10-12 minutes.  Let cool on pan for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire rack
7. Repeat with remaining dough.

Enjoy!