Sparkly Ginger Squares

These bars are really moist and chewy. They have a nice subtle molasses flavor. The coarse sugar on top lends a nice crunchy texture. I served these bars slightly warm with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and freshly grated nutmeg. They were very well received.

Sparkly Ginger Squares
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 cup Butter, softened
1 egg
3 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3 tablespoons coarse decorator sugars or sugar

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine 1 1/4 cups sugar and butter in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Add egg, molasses and vanilla. Continue beating, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt and cloves. Continue beating, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Press dough into greased 15x10x1-inch jelly-roll pan. Sprinkle decorator sugar on top. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. Cut into desired shapes with knife or cookie cutters.