With their bendy centers and slightly crunchy edges, these cookies are the perfect combination of soft and crisp. Rye flour is their not-so-secret ingredient, enhancing both the cookies’ texture and their complex and alluringly spicy flavor.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Total Time35 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 24cookies
Calories: 79
Ingredients
For the cookies
Butter, for the baking sheets
2cupsmedium rye flour
1teaspoonbaking soda
1/2teaspoonkosher salt
2teaspoonsground ginger
3/4teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
1/2teaspoonground cinnamon
1/2teaspoonground cardamom
3/4cupgranulated sugar
1/2cupmild vegetable oil
1largeegg
1/4cupmolasses
For decorating
1/3cupcoarse sparkling sugar or 1/3 cup (66 g) granulated sugar
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly butter two rimmed baking sheets (or line with parchment paper).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand whisk, an electric hand mixer, or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment to beat the sugar and oil until well combined. Add the egg and whisk until smooth.
Stir in the molasses, followed by the dry ingredients, and mix well. The dough may be covered and refrigerated at this point for several hours, if desired, and to help reduce spreading during the bake time.
Shape and bake the cookies
Use a spoon (or a tablespoon cookie scoop) to portion 1 1/4-inch (3-cm) balls of dough. Roll the dough balls in granulated or sparkling sugar to coat before placing onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave 2 inches (5 cm) between the balls on all sides as they’ll spread as they bake.
Bake the cookies until they’re puffed and the edges are set, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven and leave on the rimmed baking sheets to cool completely. Cookies will keep for several days at room temperature in an airtight container, and can be frozen for longer storage.