GINGERSNAPS (Kopie)

*****
Dusted in Sugar
Anytime of day, anytime of year, this is a cookie that calls my name. Reminiscent of graham crackers in flavor, it’s a treat that makes the perfect breakfast (albeit one your mom would never approve), snacktime or end to a meal. I dream about floating one in a glass of milk for dessert before dinner is even over. By the time you’ve rolled a few of the snaps in the sugar, you’ll start to feel the same.

Preheat oven to 350°F
Makes: 4-5 dozen cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup sugar, plus extra for rolling
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup molasses

1. Sift the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt into a bowl and set it aside.
2. Cream the butter and sugars on medium speed for several minutes until smooth, light, and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, then the molasses, and mix again. The dough will start turning a lovely brown color.
4. Mix in the flour mixture one-third at a time. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using a big piece of parchment paper, roll the dough into one 18-inch log or two 9-inch logs—they’re much easier to handle. Tuck the parchment around the ends and stick dough in the fridge for 30 minutes, or until firm enough to slice.
5. Grease several cookie sheets. Fill a small bowl with the extra sugar. Using a sharp knife, cut slices S- to 3/8-inch thick. Coat the slices in sugar and place on the sheets about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 6 to 10 minutes, until set but not browned. Tip: For chewy cookies, remove them from the oven a minute or two earlier, when each cookie is just barely holding it’s shape when nudged. Cool sheets for a few

Gingersnap S’mores
Sandwich two gingersnaps around a small dollop of marshmallow fluff, then dunk in melted and slightly cooled milk chocolate. (Follow the chocolate dunking recipe on page 147, step 6, but substitute milk or semisweet chocolate.)

Gingersnap Sandwiches with Dulche de Leche
Gently spread about 1 tablespoon of store-bought dulce de leche onto the flat side of one cookie; top with another cookie. Dust lightly with powdered sugar, if desired.