I have made these cookies every holiday season since I got married. After I made them the first time, they have been requested every year. They are easy and have been a huge hit with family, friends and co-workers! Enjoy.

(From the Pillsbury Complete Book of Baking cookbook)

1 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2 1/4 cups all purpouse flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

In large bowl, beat 1 cup sugar, butter, molasses and egg until light and fluffy. Stir in remaining ingredients; mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour. (I usually make the dough one evening, then leave it in the refrigerator until the next day or evening when I then bake the cookies. It works out great since I can't usually find the time to do it all in one day!)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in granulated sugar (about 1/4 cup needed). Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 9 - 12 minutes. (Cookies will puff up and then flatten during baking.) Cool 1 minute and then remove from cookie sheet to cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Note: I like my cookies to be chewy, but if you prefer them to be crisper, add an extra 2 or 3 minutes.

Categories: cookies