Chocolate Molasses Cookies

This is an interesting combination that really works as it pleases the chocolate fiend in the family but gives off a holiday scent with the molasses. It is a rolled out cookie which works best with a basic, round cutter.

Chocolate Molasses Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons grated orange zest (optional)
3 cups all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Either vegetable oil spray baking sheets or line with parchment paper.

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the molasses, egg, vanilla, cinnamon, and zest and mix well.

Mix together the flour and cocoa and blend into the creamed mixture with a spoon. Chill the dough for about an hour to make it easier to work with.

On a lightly-floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4th inch thick. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place about 1/2 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.

Bake for approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove to cool on racks. When cool glaze with an orange or vanilla icing.

Icing
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Enough cream or milk to form a glaze.

or:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
Enough fresh orange or lemon juice to form a glaze.