Sparkling Ginger Stars

Ingredients

• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda 
• 0.5 cup firmly brown sugar dark packed
• 0.3 cup blackstrap molasses dark
• 1 large eggs 
• 1  egg yolk 
• 1.5 cups flour all-purpose
• 1 tablespoon ginger fresh grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 0.3 teaspoon ground cloves 
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger 
• 1 tablespoon lemon rind grated
• 0.3 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
• 0.5 teaspoon salt 
• 3.3 oz coarse sparkling sugar (see note)
• 0.5 cup butter unsalted softened
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 2 tablespoons whipping cream 

Equipment

• bowl
• baking sheet
• baking paper
• oven
• whisk
• plastic wrap
• hand mixer
• cookie cutter

Directions

1. Combine first 7 ingredients in a medium bowl; stir until blended.
2. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add brown sugar, beating well. Beat in molasses, egg yolk, lemon rind, grated ginger, and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture; beat just until blended.
3. Shape dough into a ball, and divide in half. Flatten each half into a round disk; wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill 2 1/2 hours until firm.
4. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Roll out dough, 1 section at a time, to 1/4" thickness on a lightly floured surface.
6. Cut into star shapes, using a 4" cookie cutter.
7. Place 1/2" apart on prepared baking sheets.
8. Whisk together 1 egg and whipping cream; brush egg wash lightly over cookies.
9. Sprinkle heavily with sparkling sugar.
10. Bake at 325 for 17 minutes or until cookies are puffed and slightly darker around edges. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheets; remove with parchment paper to wire racks to cool completely.
11. Note: Sparkling sugar can be purchased at gourmet grocery stores or cake decorating shops, or ordered from La Cuisine at 800-521-1176 or lacuisineus.com