Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

prep time:: 30 min
total time:: 1 hr

Makes 3 dozen cookies

Gila

Gingerbread cookies taken to the next level with chocolate. What more can you ask for?

ingredients

7 ounces best-quality semisweet chocolate
1 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1/2 cup dark-brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup granulated sugar

directions

1
Line two baking sheets. Chop chocolate into 1/4-inch chunks. Sift together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cocoa.
2
Beat butter and grated ginger until whitened, about 4 minutes. Add brown sugar and molasses. mix well. In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in 1 1/2 teaspoons boiling water. Beat half of flour mixture into butter mixture. Beat in baking-soda mixture, then remaining half of flour mixture. Mix in chocolate; turn out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Pat dough out to about 1 inch thick; seal with wrap; refrigerate until firm, 2 hours or more.
3
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Roll dough into 1 1/2- inch balls; place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Refrigerate 20 minutes. Roll in granulated sugar. Bake until the surfaces crack slightly, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

notes

You liked the wrapper more than the gifts but looks like your first Christmas was a hit. You are now cruising furniture, standing unassisted and getting ready to walk. Life Lesson: There is great joy in giving.

Source: Gila