Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 3 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
• 2 large eggs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease 2 large baking sheets.
2. In a large bowl whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon.
3. In another large bowl beat together butter, shortening, and 3 cups sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in molasses, then eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Gradually beat in flour mixture and combine well.
6. Put the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar in a small bowl.
7. Roll dough between your palms into 1.5 inch balls and dip in the sugar.
8. Arrange balls on the baking sheets at least 2 inches apart.
9. Bake cookies in batches in middle of the oven 11 minutes or until puffed and golden.
10. Transfer cookies with a metal spatula to racks to cool.

Attribution: Soft Molasses Cookies by Ruthie Hansen