Via Dorie Greenspan: Baking from my Home to Yours - adapted by Isabelle
(2 cups) all-purpose flour
(2 tsp) baking soda
(1/2 tsp) salt
(2 tsp) ground ginger
(1/2 tsp) ground cinnamon
(1/4 tsp) ground allspice
pinch cracked or coarsely ground black pepper
(3/4 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar
(1/2 cup) molasses (not blackstrap)
1 large egg
(1 cup) sugar, for rolling
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice and pepper.
Working with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
Add the brown sugar and molasses and beat for 2 minutes or so to blend.
Add the egg and beat for 1 minute more.
Add the dry ingredients, mixing until the flour and spices disappear.
Divide the dough in half and wrap each piece in plastic wrap.
Freeze for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
Put the sugar in a small bowl.
Divide it into 12 pieces, and roll each piece into a smooth ball between your palms. One by one, roll the balls around in the bowl of sugar , then place them on one of the baking sheets.
Dip the bottom of a glass into the sugar and use it to press down on the cookies until they are between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick.
Bake the cookies one sheet at a time for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the tops feel set to the touch.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the cookies to a rack to cool to room temperature.
Repeat with the second batch of dough.
Bon Appétit!