Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened2/3 cup sugar1 large egg, room temperature1/2 cup molasses2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon ground ginger1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon ground cloves1/2 cup buttermilk1/2 cup chopped walnutsFROSTING:1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar4-1/2 teaspoons butter, softened1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract2 to 3 tablespoons half-and-half creamWalnuts halves, optional
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg and molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt and cloves; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Stir in chopped walnuts.
Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake until edges are firm, 10-12 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.
For frosting, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, butter, vanilla and enough cream to achieve desired consistency. Frost cooled cookies. Top each with a walnut half if desired.
