Ginger Cookies

Ginger Cookies

• 4 1/2 cups flour
• 1 Tblsp. ginger
• 2 tsps. baking soda
• 2 tsps. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup shortening
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup molasses

Combine the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl and set aside.

Combine the butter and the shortening in a mixing bowl and cream on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add the sugar and cream until fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix on medium speed after each egg. Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula frequently. Add the molasses and beat until incorporated into the mixture.

Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Place 1/4 cup of sugar on a large plate.

Roll the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Roll the balls in the sugar on the plate. Be sure to coat the cookie generously.

Place the cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake at 350^o for 8 - 10 minutes. You do not want to overbake these cookies. So keep checking - they should be light golden and you will just begin to see cracking on the tops when they are done.
This recipe makes about 5 dozen cookies.