Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, pepper, and salt and set aside. In another bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the egg, crystallized ginger, molasses, and fresh ginger. Then incorporate the flour mixture until well combined. Fold in the apricots. Place the dough into refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Next day roll out 11/2 tablespoon of dough and roll them into sanding sugar and transfer to prepared baking sheet. at least 2 inches apart (they will spread). Bake, rotating the sheets halfway through, until the center of each cookie is just set, 14 to 16 minutes. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, and then move the cookies to racks to cool completely.

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.