Molasses birthday cookies

I was on a secret mission this weekend to bake birthday cookies for my most musically talented friend.
As always, Sherry was more than willing to give advice on what would put a smile on her husband's face. She said Mauri loves molasses cookies, so molasses it was! Personally, I can't stand that flavor. But for Mauri, I'd sacrifice :)

I searched the interweb for a recipe and settled on Martha Stewart's version, which was surprisingly simple.

With fall in the air, Sunday afternoon was perfect for cookie baking! According to Brad, the cookies turned out amazing. I tasted just a bit of dough and confirmed that molasses isn't for me.

From MarthaStewart.com:

2 c flour
1 1/2 t baking soda
1 t ground cinnamon
1/2 t ground nutmeg
1/2 t salt
1 1/2 c sugar
3/4 c butter, softened
1 large egg
1/4 c molasses

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a shallow bowl, place 1/2 cup sugar and set aside.

2. With an electric mixer, beat butter and remaining cup of sugar until combined. Beat in egg and then molasses until combined. Reduce speed to low; gradually mix in dry ingredients, just until a dough forms.

3. Roll dough into balls about 1 T in size. Roll balls in reserved sugar to coat.

4. Arrange balls on baking sheet and bake until edges of cookies are just firm, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool 1 minute on baking sheets and then transfer to racks to cool completely.

Happy Birthday, Mauri!
:)