Blackstrap Molasses and Pumpkin Spice Cookies

These cookies are similar to Moravian spice cookies but I use pumpkin pie spice instead of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, and omit the shortening. (Pumpkin pie spice includes ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves PLUS ground cardamom, nutmeg, and lemon peel.) Also, the whole wheat flour and vegan buttery spread make them a little healthier than traditional Moravian cookies. They are very crisp and flavorful!

Ingredients:

• 2 T vegan buttery spread
• 2 T vegetable oil
• 1/4 C packed brown sugar
• 1/2 C blackstrap molasses
• 2 t pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 t allspice
• 1/2 t baking soda
• 2 C whole wheat pastry flour
• powdered sugar (for dusting finished cookies)

Preparation:

1. Melt the vegan buttery spread in a small pot over low heat.
2. When it is completely melted, add the vegetable oil, brown sugar, and molasses. *Tip: Measure the vegetable oil into a one cup measuring cup, swirl, and pour into pot. Then measure the molasses into the measuring cup and it will not stick due to the oil residue.
3. Keep on low heat, whisking constantly, until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and let cool for at least five minutes. Add the pumpkin pie spice, allspice, and baking soda. Mix thoroughly with a whisk.
5. Turn mixer on low and add flour half a cup at a time until blended. The dough will be very thick and sticky.
6. Flour your hands and form dough into a ball. Divide depending on how many batches of cookies you want to make. (Dough will keep in the fridge if you don't want to cook them all at once.) I split the dough in two and bake two batches, 12-15 cookies at a time.
7. Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin and roll dough as thin as possible.
8. Cut into desired shapes and put on baking sheet.
9. Bake cookies for 6-10 minutes until brown around the edges, depending on thickness of the dough. Be careful not to overcook. 
10. Dust with powdered sugar while they are still hot and enjoy! The house will definitely smell like the holidays when these are baking.