Chocolate Ginger Cookies

Chocolate Ginger Cookies
Recipe by Dragon

These gorgeous cookies have become my favourite Christmas treats. I love how the chocolate oozes out of them when you bite into one. Chocolate and ginger go together like Santa and presents; mistletoe and kisses, turkey and stuffing......you get the idea. :) Enjoy!

This is my last entry for the year. I hope you've enjoyed this month full of Christmas treats. In the New Year, I'll bring you more savoury dishes.

Through the years we all will be together, if the Fates allow.
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

Makes 3 dozen

Ingredients:
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup unsalted butter, soften
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg, room temperature
1/3 cup molasses
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chocolate chips
Course sugar

Directions:
1. Mix together shortening, butter, brown sugar, egg and molasses.

2. Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt. Blend the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until it forms dough.

3. Mix the chocolate chips into the dough. Chill the dough for at least an hour.

4. Pre-heat oven to 375F. Scoop out the dough and shape into 1 inch balls. Place balls 3 inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet.

5. Flatten the balls slightly and sprinkle the tops with course sugar.

6. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.