Chewy Ginger Cookies with Molasses Date Caramel

To Make Molasses Date Caramel: Add coconut milk and dates to blender, and purée until as smooth as possible (you will still see tiny pieces of date). Add mixture to small sauce pot over medium heat. Heat to simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring every 30 seconds, until mixture is reduced by half and is a light brown color, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in molasses and sea salt. Refrigerate mixture in heatproof container until completely cooled.

To Make Cookies: Preheat oven to 325°F, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Mix 1/4 cup coconut sugar and 1/4 tsp. ground ginger, and spread on a plate.

In large mixing bowl, combine remaining ginger, flours, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Whisk to incorporate.

In standing mixer or hand mixer, combine remaining 1 cup coconut sugar, eggs, and butter. Mix on high speed 1 minute, until mixture has formed small, soft peaks and lightened in color. Add molasses. Mix 30 seconds more, until molasses is incorporated and mixture has slightly firmer peaks. (When you turn your spatula upside down, peaks should hold for just a second before collapsing.)

Fold wet mixture into dry until incorporated. Cover dough, and refrigerate 30 minutes. Remove from fridge.

Fill small bowl with lukewarm water, and place next to baking sheets and coconut sugar plate. Scoop and roll 2-inch balls of dough, roll in coconut sugar mixture to coat, and place balls on baking sheet, leaving plenty of room for balls to expand (7–8 balls per sheet).

Dampen fingers, and flatten balls to approximately ½-inch thickness. Bake 20 minutes, and allow to cool 10 minutes before topping with caramel. Cookies will keep tightly sealed on countertop for 2 days, or in the refrigerator for 5 days. Reheat in oven at 300°F for 5 minutes before serving.