Molasses Biscuits

Martha Stewart Living


Makes 10

    2 cups flour                                                   
    1 tablespoon pack dark brown sugar                             
    1/2 teaspoon salt                                              
    1 tablespoon baking powder                                     
    1/4 teaspoon ground ginger                                     
    1/4 teaspoon ground cloves                                     
    1/8 teaspoon pepper                                            
    6 tablespoons unsalt cold butter cut to pieces                 
    1/4 cup + 2 tbsp. milk                                         
    1/4 cup unsulfur molasses                                      
    1 tablespoon heavy cream for brushing                          

These gingerbread-flavored biscuits complement the smokiness of a Glazed Ham.

Preheat the oven to 375º with rack in center. Sift together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, ginger, cloves, and pepper. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal.

In a small bowl, whisk together milk and molasses until completely combined. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and add the milk-molasses mixture.

Using a fork, stir the mixture until it almost comes together. Gently bring the remaining smaller dough particles together with your fingertips. Transfer dough to a very lightly floured surface, and pat into a flattened circle about 6 inches in diameter and 3/4 inch thick. Cut dough into rounds with a 2-inch cookie cutter. Gently press the excess dough together, and cut several more biscuits. Gently press the remaining excess dough together one more time, and cut one more biscuit.

Transfer biscuits to a parchment-lined baking sheet; generously brush tops with cream. Bake until golden brown, 24 to 26 minutes. Place biscuits on a wire rack to cool slightly.