Ingredients
1/2 cup each butter, softened, and vegetable shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup molasses
2 eggs
4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons each baking soda and ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons each ground cloves and ground cinnamon
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and eggs; set aside. In another large bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cloves and cinnamon; blend thoroughly with a wire whisk. Gradually mix flour mixture into creamed ingredients until dough is blended and smooth. Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Dip tops in coarse sugar and place 2 1/2-inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 11 minutes. Do not overbake. Cool on wire rack, then store in tightly covered container. Makes about 3 dozen.
