Ginger Bursts (Star Telegram Winner)

Makes 2 to 3 dozen

3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses (recommended: organic)
2 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves
3/4 cup chopped crystallized ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup coarse sugar crystals, for rolling

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, combine sugars, butter, egg and molasses. Beat until light and fluffy.

2. Add flour, baking soda, spices, crystallized ginger and salt; mix well. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 hour for easier handling.

3. Shape dough into 1-inch (or smaller) balls; roll in sugar crystals. Place on parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake 9-12 minutes.

Nutritional information per cookie, based on 2 dozen: 205 calories, 9 grams fat, 29 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams protein, 35 milligrams cholesterol, 186 milligrams sodium, trace dietary fiber, 41 percent of calories from fat.