Chewy Molasses Cookies

Blackstrap molasses is rich in iron, making these chewy cookies a treat with a healthy trick if you’re anemic and iron tablets make you queasy. Add a tablespoon of ground flax seed for a boost of fiber and potassium, too.

Place racks in lower and upper thirds of oven; preheat oven to 375°F.
Mix in a small bowl:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3/4 teaspoons ground cardamom (optional)
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seed (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

In a medium bowl cream together:

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter or margarine, melted
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup blackstrap molasses
• 1/4 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

Place in a shallow bowl:

• Coarse raw sugar

Scoop out dough by the tablespoonful and roll into balls (if dough is sticky, chill 20 minutes). Roll in sugar and place on 2 parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2″ apart.

Bake cookies for 8 minutes, rotating baking sheets halfway through, until cookies are puffed, cracked, and just set around edges (over-baked cookies won’t be chewy).

Transfer to wire racks and let cool.