Ingredients
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup molasses
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups flour
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon mace
2 teaspoons ground cloves
Method
Step 1
Whisk together the olive oil, molasses, 1 cup of the sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
Step 2
In a separate medium bowl, combine the flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, mace and cloves. Add to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate overnight (see note).
Step 3
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 4
Place the remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a small bowl. Use the palms of your hands to form the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, then roll them in the sugar. 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. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note: chilling the dough is critical so that it can be handled easily when rolling the dough.