Makes: About 2 dozen
Time: About 30 minutes
Molasses, brown sugar, and raisins keep this classic New England dessert chewy and moist but not overwhelmingly sweet. Tangy flavors play off it well, so top it off with Lemon Glaze or Cream Cheese Frosting if you like things fancy.
1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 × 9-inch baking pan.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices in a bowl. Cream together the brown sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses and beat until just combined. Gradually mix in the flour mixture; once it is incorporated, fold in the raisins.
3. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until barely set. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. These will keep in an airtight container for a week.
PUMPKIN BARS Pumpkin underscores warm fall flavors: Reduce the molasses to ⅓ cup. When you beat in the molasses and the egg, add ¾ cup canned pumpkin. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean.