United States: Amish Ginger Cookies

The Amish in the United States are known for their simple living. They shun most modern conveniences and live with an emphasis on family, community and the church. Although Amish groups can be found in Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota and Ontario, Pennsylvania has the largest Amish population in the United States.

The Amish eat what they grow or raise, and avoid commercial and processed foods that many of us take for granted. The women spend a lot of their time baking traditional Amish sweets like sugar cookies and schnitz pie.

This simple recipe for Amish Ginger Cookies uses dried, ground ginger, but you can substitute fresh grated ginger for a more authentic taste. Sandwich vanilla ice cream between two of these cookies for a tasty and refreshing summertime treat.

AMISH GINGER COOKIES

3/4 cup softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp gound ginger
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1-1/2 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 350. Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cloves and cinnamon. Stir with a fork or whisk until the ingredients are fully combined.

Use a mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix until combined. Add the molasses and mix until combined. Add the dry ingredients, a little at a time, beating well between each addition.

Roll the dough into small balls, roughly one-inch in diameter. Place some additional granulated sugar in a small bowl, and dip the tops of the balls into the sugar. Place on the parchment-lined baking sheet, sugar side up, roughly two-inches apart.

Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until they are slightly browned and the tops start to crack. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

NOTE: If using fresh grated ginger, use roughly 2 tbs and add an additional 1 to 2 tbs of flour.