Secret Treat Molasses Cookies

The Daycare Lady's Note:

This recipe has been passed down for generations. I've made these cookies for years, but like my mother. I only make them for special occasions. They're fun to decorate and delicious to eat, with a "surprise flavor" inside. From Taste Of Home 2000

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 24

Yield: 2.0 dozen c ...

• ½ cup butter or ½ cup margarine , softened
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ cup molasses
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ cup strawberry preserves

GLAZE

• 1 2⁄3; cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg; mix well. Beat in molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger; add to creamed mixture and mix well. (The dough will be very stiff.) Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until easy to handle.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness; cut into 2-1/4-in. to 2-1/2-in. circles. Place 1/2 teaspoon preserves on half of the circles; top with remaining circles. Pinch edges together to seal. Place on greased baking sheets.
3. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks. Combine glaze ingredients and frost cooled cookies. Yield: about 2 dozen.