Spice Cookies

So soft, moist and chewy.  These cookies are one of my family's favorites.  A cup of tea or a glass of milk and a couple of these cookies are sure to satisfy anyone.

3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp allspice
1 1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter.  Add the sugars and beat for 3-5 minutes.  Add the egg and vanilla, mix together.  Add molasses and beat for 20 seconds.

Sift together the dry ingredients.  Gradually, incorporate the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture (in about 3 batches).  Chill dough for 2-3 hours.

Roll dough into balls the size of a walnut (about 1 1/4 inches).  Place a 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl.  Roll the balls in the sugar to coat.

Place balls 2 inches apart onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.  Bake for 12 minutes at 350 degrees.  Do not over bake.  Cool on the cookie sheet for about 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool.  Once cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar. 

Makes about 4 dozen

Eileen