Some Sticky Ginger

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Ginger, by it's nature, isn't very sticky.  But these bar cookies are.  Susan Reid with King Arthur Flour stopped by Tonia's Kitchen to talk about their Sticky Ginger Squares recipe.  She told Tonia there's a few steps to this Christmas cookie, but it's not overly complicated because these are bar cookies. Susan says you should use crystallized ginger. And for it really to be complete, use a Ginger streussel topping.  All together, its a unique and delicious holiday treat that you can create in very little time.

Squares

• 1 1/4 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup diced crystallized ginger
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/3 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter, melted

Topping

• 1 1/3 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt*
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup diced crystallized ginger
• *If you use salted butter, reduce the salt to 1/8 teaspoon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease (or line with parchment) a 9" x 13" pan.
2. To make the squares: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, allspice, salt, baking soda, and crystallized ginger.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the molasses, eggs, brown sugar, and butter.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, beating until smooth.
5. Spread the batter in the prepared pan, and set it aside.
6. To make the streusel topping: Using a pastry blender, electric mixer, or your fingers, mix together the flour, butter, salt, and brown sugar until it's fairly well-blended; some chunks of butter can remain. Mix in the crystallized ginger.
7. Bake the squares for 15 minutes. Sprinkle on the streusel, and bake an additional 30 minutes, until the streusel is a deep, golden brown.
8. Remove the squares from the oven, and run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen them. Allow them to cool for 20 minutes, then cut into 2 1/4" squares.