Sparkling Ginger Stars

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup dark molasses
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons whipping cream
• 1 (3.25-oz.) jar coarse sparkling sugar (see note)

1. Combine first 7 ingredients in a medium bowl; stir until blended.
2. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add brown sugar, beating well. Beat in molasses, egg yolk, lemon rind, grated ginger, and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture; beat just until blended.
3. Shape dough into a ball, and divide in half. Flatten each half into a round disk; wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill 2 1/2 hours until firm.
4. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out dough, 1 section at a time, to 1/4" thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into star shapes, using a 4" cookie cutter. Place 1/2" apart on prepared baking sheets.
5. Whisk together 1 egg and whipping cream; brush egg wash lightly over cookies. Sprinkle heavily with sparkling sugar.
6. Bake at 325u0b0 for 17 minutes or until cookies are puffed and slightly darker around edges. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheets; remove with parchment paper to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Note: Sparkling sugar can be purchased at gourmet grocery stores or cake decorating shops, or ordered from La Cuisine at 800-521-1176 or lacuisineus.com

flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, freshly grated nutmeg, unsalted butter, brown sugar, dark molasses, egg yolk, lemon rind, ginger, vanilla, egg, whipping cream, sparkling sugar

Taken from www.myrecipes.com/recipe/sparkling-ginger-stars-0 (may not work)