Ingredients

4 1/2 cups all- purpose flour

4 tsp ground ginger

2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups shortening

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup molasses

3/4 cup sugar

Preparation

  1. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Add the 2 cups of sugar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl ocasionally. Beatin eggs and molasses until combined. Beat in flour mixture.

  2. Shape dough into 2-inch balls using a 1/4 cup measure or scoop. Roll balls in the 3/4 cup of sugar. Place 2 1/2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

  3. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 11-13 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned and tops are puffed (do not over bake). Cool on cookie sheet 2 minutes. Tranfer to a wire rack and let cool.