Molasses Chews

Melt the butter, sugar and molasses in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and allow to cool a bit.

Stir the flour, spices, salt and baking soda together. In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg then, continuing to beat with a wooden spoon, gradually add the warm butter/sugar/molasses mixture, stirring until smooth. Add the flour/spice mixture to the liquid mixture and stir together until blended and smooth. The batter will be wet.

Allow the batter to sit for about half an hour or so to thicken a bit. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Drop tablespoonfuls of the batter onto a baking sheet, leaving 2 to 3 inches between them to allow for spreading. Bake each batch for about 10 minutes (depending on the size of the cookies) until puffed and beginning to darken. Remove from the oven and allow to rest on the cookie sheets for about 30 seconds or so to firm up slightly before carefully sliding a spatula under each cookie and lifting off. Allow to cool completely on cooling racks.