My Favorite Holiday Cookie

Magi’s Turbans (I like to call them Gift of the Magi Cookies because they are a gift of yummy.) These are molasses cookies with Hershey’s Hugs seated in middle of them. It is a delicious combination and a favorite among my family and friends. They look forward to these cookies every Christmas.

Makes 56 cookies.
Prep and chill: About 90 minutes
Bake: 10 to 12 min per batch

Ingredients:
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp each ground cinnamon and ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 cup light molasses
1 large egg
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
56 Hershey’s Hugs (from a 13 oz. bag), unwrapped

1. Beat butter, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in a large bowl with mixer on medium speed until well blended and paler in color. Beat in molasses and egg (the mixture will look curdled like cottage cheese).

2. Reduce speed to low and gradually add in flour just until blended. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or until firm enough to handle.

3. Heat oven to 350. Have baking sheets ready.

4. Put granulated sugar in a small bowl. Roll tablespoons of dough into 1-1/4 inch balls; roll in sugar to coat. Place 1 1/2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. (Doc Angi tip: Gently press your thumb into each cookie to create a seat for the Hershey’s Hug later.)

5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until tops crack but cookies are still soft to touch.

6. Place baking sheet on wire rack. After a moment or two, press a Hugs in center of each cookie. Transfer cookies from baking sheet to rack to cool completely.  (Note: The heat from the cookie will melt the Hershey’s hug; but, it will keep its shape if you do not touch it until the cookies completely cool.)

Storage Tip: Store in airtight container at cool room temperature up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.

The original recipe is from a Woman’s Day Holiday Cookies insert (at least 6 years ago). Magi’s Turbans are fairly easy cookies to make, they store well, and they are certain to become a family favorite.

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