Day 12: Molasses Cookies

I don't really like molasses very much. My mom told me to get some blackstrap molasses one time because it has a lot of iron in it or something...but honestly it's really gross by itself. However! When combined with cookies or cake, it is DELISH!!! It develops a much more subtle flavor and takes you away on a journey to Grandma's house in the woods...sitting by a fire, sipping hot cocoa, and listening to Christmas music. I used a combination of whole wheat pastry flour and almond flour in this batch, which gives the cookies a little bit of a nutty flavor. These cookies are really wholesome tasting and would go well with a big mug of rich, dark hot cocoa...so hop to it!

Molasses Cookies
makes 2 dozen

• 6 TBS unsweetened applesauce
• 4 TBS organic cane sugar
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/3 cup molasses

In a large bowl briefly whisk together the applesauce and sugar. Add the flours, baking soda, and spices and beat with hand mixer until just combined. Finally, add molasses and beat for another minute with mixer. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let refrigerate for about 45-60 minutes. Preheat oven to 350F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove dough from refrigerator. Roll a little less than a tablespoonful of dough in a ball and place on lined baking sheet (repeat for all dough). Sprinkle the cookies with the cane sugar before you place them in the oven. Bake at 350F for 14 minutes. Remove and let cool for 2-3 minutes before enjoying on a chilly winter day...

Roomie Reactions...
Jenna: "Oh my gosh Lauren, these are perfect! The sugar adds a nice crunch on the outside, but they're really soft inside..mmm good job."