Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies

I discovered these from Melissa at Once a Month Mom and quickly starred them in Google Reader (would have shared but GR went stupid on us and doesn't allow that anymore. Whatevs.). I thought they sounded excellent and different because they weren't the typical crunchy gingerbread cookies, but soft and chewy instead. Yum. When I signed up to bring cookies to Logan's school program last week, I knew immediately that I wanted to try these. Bonus that I only had to buy one ingredient--ground cloves. I had the rest. They are super easy to make and even though it says to chill dough overnight, it doesn't seem to be necessary. The first time I made them I chilled it overnight and they were great. I made them again last night (because I am an awesome sister and made them for my brother to take to his work party) but didn't have time to chill overnight so I just put it in the fridge for about an hour or so and they came out great as well. I will definitely be making these again and I hope to keep some for myself this time.


Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cups butter or margarine, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup molasses (original, not blackstrap)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• additional granulated sugar for rolling cookies

Directions:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar.  Add egg and beat well.  Add molasses, mix well.  Combine flour, baking soda, salt and spices; add to creamed mixture and mix well.  Chill dough overnight.  Shape into 1-inch balls; roll in sugar.  Place two inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.  Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until edges begin to brown.  Allow cookies to cool for two minutes before removing to a wire rack.

Freezing Directions:

Allow to cool completely, then transfer cookies to gallon freezer bags or freezer safe containers.

Servings: 3 dozen cookies

Buddy Breakfast

Buddy the Elf came back to visit, but this year he showed up with Logan's favorite breakfast treats, white donuts and chocolate milk straight from the North Pole.

He made a little mess with the chocolate milk and there was powdered sugar scattered about. When I was cleaning it up, Logan told me not to be mean to Buddy, that it was an accident. I guess I didn't know I was being mean...Buddy also left platters covered in powdered sugar in the kitchen from when he was finding all the Christmas table decor. Logan says he made the donuts here last night--how did we not hear this racket??

Mid-bite he realized where Buddy was. I love that I caught this look!

Silly Buddy!

Donut lips!

After breakfast, we went to his room to get dressed for school and realized Buddy left a gift for him under his tree.

Woohoo! A new hot wheel! Hot off the presses at the North Pole.

Buddy also left a note this year, telling Logan to be kind to others and try not to be greedy, even though it is hard this time of year. We have really been working on that and several of the activities on our Advent calendar have to do with doing something/making something/buying something for others. Hopefully Buddy's note will help him remember as well.