Rye flour is inherently fluffy, silky and tender, making it ideal for chewy, moist molasses cookies. The flavor of coriander, unusual in cookies, complements the earthy flavor of rye flour.
RYE MOLASSES COOKIES Adapted from Tara Jensen, author of “Flour Power” (Clarkson Potter, 2022)
Active time: 40 mins; Total time: 8 hours 40 mins
Makes 16 very large cookies. If you’d like a smaller cookie, reduce the dough portions to 40 grams, and cut the bake time by 5 minutes.
INGREDIENTS
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5 cups (530 grams) whole or dark rye flour
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3 tablespoons (20 grams) ground ginger
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
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1/2 teaspoon fine salt
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1 1/2 cups (340 grams) unbleached organic raw cane sugar, such as Florida Crystals or Field Day brands (may substitute granulated sugar)
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24 tablespoons (3 sticks/340 grams) unsalted butter, softened
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Scant 1/2 cup (160 grams) molasses (do not use blackstrap)
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2 large eggs, at room temperature
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1 cup (200 grams) turbinado sugar, for rolling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, coriander and salt until combined.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a large bowl and a hand mixer, beat the sugar and butter together on medium-high speed until the mixture is uniform and pale yellow and its texture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Stop and scrape down the bowl using a flexible spatula, and bring the mixture back to the center of the bowl.
Add the molasses and mix on medium-high until the mixture is an even, light brown color, stopping to scrape down the bowl as necessary.
Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix on medium until each is fully incorporated; the mixture should be ultralight and silky.
Add the flour mixture in three additions, starting the mixer on low and gradually increasing to medium, until there are no visible patches of dry flour. Stop to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to get the flour fully incorporated, 3 to 4 times.
Using a flexible spatula, transfer the cookie dough to a clean, airtight container, cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 2 days.
Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the turbinado sugar in a small bowl.
Remove the cookie dough from the fridge and let it warm until pliable and easily molded into a ball in the palm of your hand, 10 to 15 minutes.
Using a spoon or No. 30 disher, scoop the dough into approximately 2 1/2-tablespoon (80-gram) portions, gently shaping them into a ball. (It’s okay if they’re a little misshapen and look like river rocks — the cragginess will create texture when the cookies bake.) As you work, roll the dough balls in the turbinado sugar to thoroughly coat, pressing the sugar gently into the dough. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets, 6 per pan, leaving at least 2 inches in between the balls.
Bake the two sheets for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cookies have spread, puffed a little on the top and are deeply browned and firm on the edges with a soft and slightly paler but dry center, rotating from front to back and top to bottom halfway through. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Repeat with the remaining dough, using a baking sheet that has cooled completely.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Make Ahead: The prepared dough needs to be covered and refrigerated overnight, and up to 48 hours, before baking. Portioned and shaped dough balls may be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. After you have shaped the balls, transfer them on a baking sheet to the freezer. Once they’re solid, pack into an airtight container or bag and freeze until ready to use, adding more baking time as needed.