Hm...maybe it was leaving off the "molasses" that doomed me in the past? I did try Dusty Miller cookies.
Well you said molasses was a major component. With Google, the more terms the better. Plus putting the name in quotes cuts down on missed hits.
Think I will take the 1:15 bus home... are you pondering what I'm pondering?
Old-as-Pilgrims Molasses Crinkles
2 1/2 Cups all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground white pepper (optional)
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup firmly packed dark or light brown sugar
1 egg, at room temperature
1/3 cup dark or light molasses
1/3 cup granulated sugar
water for sprinkling
In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and white pepper (if desired); lightly whisk and set aside.
In a stand mixer or with hand mixer set on low speed, beat shortening until creamy, about 30 seconds. On medium speed, beat in brown sugar until smooth. Beat in Egg. Beat in molasses. Add half the flour mixture and beat on low speed until blended. Add remaining flour and beat until blended. Scrape down the dough, cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or leave ungreased. Remove dough from refrigerator and soften slightly for easier handling. Place granulated sugar in a small bowl. Using a tablespoon measure, scoop out some dough and roll it between your hands to form a 1-1/2" ball. Drop ball into sugar mixture, roll to coat and place cookies 2" apart on baking sheet. Sprinkle each cookie with water. Bake until tops are firm when lightly touched, about 10 minutes.
For a crunchier cookie, bake for about 12 minutes. Let cookies firm before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
Variation: Grandmother's Grown-Up Glaze
After the cookies have cooled, return them to a baking sheet. Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-1/2 to 3 tablespoons Grand Marnier or another orange-flavored liqueur. Dip a spoon into the glaze and drizzle it over the cookies. Allow glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving.