True Spice Cookies

Description
Mace and nutmeg are derived from the fruit of the same tree, Myristica fragrans, Mace is the thin, bright-red, lacelike covering over the shell of the nutmeg. Its flavor is similar to nutmeg's, but more delicate; if you don't have it on hand, substitute ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg.

For best results, the dough should chill for 8 to 12 hours in the refrigerator.

STORE: In an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. The dough may be wrapped well and refrigerated for up to 5 days. Freeze the baked cookies in a heavy-duty resealable plastic food storage bag for 2 to 4 months.
 * Washington Post.com
 * Adapted from Olive Oil Baking, by Lisa A. Sheldon (Cumberland House, 2007).
 * Makes about 36 cookies

Ingredients

 * ¾ cup olive oil
 * ¼ cup molasses
 * 1¼ cups sugar
 * 2 large eggs
 * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 * 1¾ cups flour
 * 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
 * 1½ teaspoons baking soda
 * ½ teaspoon salt
 * 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
 * 1½ tablespoons ground ginger
 * 1 teaspoon mace
 * 2 teaspoons ground cloves

Directions

 * 1) Whisk together the olive oil, molasses, 1 cup of the sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
 * 2) In a separate medium bowl, combine the flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, mace and cloves.
 * 3) Add to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined.
 * 4) Cover and refrigerate overnight.
 * 5) When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
 * 6) Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
 * 7) Place the remaining ¼ cup sugar in a small bowl.
 * 8) Use the palms of your hands to form the dough into 1½-inch balls, then roll them in the sugar.
 * 9) Place the balls on the baking sheets spaced 2 inches apart; bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tops of the cookies crack.
 * 10) Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information

 * 112 Calories | 5g Fat | 1g saturated fat | 12 mg cholesterol | 90 mg sodium | 16g carbohydrates | 1g dietary fiber | 1g protien.