Paula Deens Holiday Spiced Ginger Cookies Recipes

PAULA DEEN'S GINGER COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.
• Using an electric mixer at low speed, cream the shortening and sugar until thoroughly combined.
• Add the egg and molasses and beat until completely incorporated.
• Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt and add to the mixture.
• Stir until combined.
• Roll the dough into balls about 1-inch in diameter.
• Roll the balls in sugar.
• Place 1/2-inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
• Flatten the balls slightly with your fingertips.
• Bake for 8-12 minutes.
• Cool on wire racks.

PERSIMMON SPICE COOKIES

Steps:

• Puree the persimmons in a mini food processor or blender until smooth; set aside.
• Whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt in a medium bowl. Beat the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined, then beat in 3/4 cup of the persimmon puree until combined. (The mixture may look curdled.) Reduce the mixer speed to low; gradually add the flour mixture, beating until just incorporated. Fold in the raisins with a rubber spatula. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake, switching the pans halfway through, until the cookies are golden brown, about 13 minutes. Let cool completely on the baking sheets.
• Make the glaze: Whisk the confectioners' sugar and milk in a small bowl. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the glaze over each cookie, then sprinkle with the pistachios. Let set, 10 minutes.