4 c. flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 c. granulated sugar plus 3 tbsp. sugar for coating cookie dough
1/2 c. molasses
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift flour, soda, spices and salt. Set aside. Cream butter with sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in molasses, and mix in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla.

Add dry ingredients in 3 parts, mixing well each time. Put 3 tablespoon sugar on a plate and coat walnut sized dough lumps with sugar. Place 2 inches apart on UNGREASED cookie sheet. Bake 14 minutes until light golden. Makes 5 dozen. Easy to make.