Secret Treat Molasses Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup strawberry preserves

GLAZE

• 1 2/3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg; mix well. Beat in molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger; add to creamed mixture and mix well. (The dough will be very stiff.) Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until easy to handle.

2. 2

   On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness; cut into 2-1/4-in. to 2-1/2-in. circles. Place 1/2 teaspoon preserves on half of the circles; top with remaining circles. Pinch edges together to seal. Place on greased baking sheets.

3. 3

   Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks. Combine glaze ingredients and frost cooled cookies. Yield: about 2 dozen.