1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. butter, softened
2 tbsp. water or milk
3 tbsp. molasses
1 egg
3 1/4 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. cardamom (if desired)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, combine first 5 ingredients; blend well. Stir in remaining ingredients; blend well. Roll dough, 1/3 at a time, on floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness (I have found that using a fabric pastry cloth and a rolling pin cover works best). Cut with floured cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes or until cookies are set. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Makes 84 to 96 cookies.