Lumps of Coal Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses and vanilla.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix well.
4. Divide the dough into two parts and shape into 2 discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough at a time to 1/8 inch thickness.
7. Using a small round cookie cutter, cut out the shapes of lumps of coal. Place the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets.
8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool completely.
9. Melt the chocolate chips and shortening together in a double boiler or microwave. Dip the cooled cookies into the melted chocolate and allow to cool and set completely.

Interesting Facts

• Lumps of coal were traditionally given as a festive gift in the late 1800s.
• This recipe is a modern take on the classic tradition.
• Gingerbread is a classic holiday flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.