Crystallized-Ginger Spice Bars

Directions

1. 1
   In a bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground spices.
2. 2
   In another bowl with an electric mixer beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3
   Add molasses, egg, flour mixture, crystallized ginger, and zest and beat until a dough forms.
4. 4
   On a sheet of wax paper pat dough into an 8-by-5 inch rectangle, about 1 inch thick.
5. 5
   Chill dough, wrapped in wax paper, 4 hours, or until firm.
6. 6
   (After the dough has been formed into a rectangle it can be kept in the refrigerator for one week or the freezer for one month.
7. 7
   Thaw the frozen dough in the refrigerator until sliceable, about four hours.
8. 8
   The baked cookies keep in airtight containers at room temperature for four days.)
9. 9
   Preheat oven to 350 F. and lightly butter 2 baking sheets.
10. 10
    Cut dough crosswise into slices about 1/6 inch thick and arrange about 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
11. 11
    Bake bars in batches in middle of oven until deep golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes, and transfer to racks to cool.
12. 12
    The baked cookies keep in airtight containers at room temperature for four days.