1 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. cold coffee with 1 tsp. baking soda IN it
1 egg
1/2 tsp. salt
3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. vanilla
1/2 c. molasses

Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs, mix well. Add molasses and mix well. Mix flour, salt and spices together. Add alternately with the coffee/soda mixture. Add vanilla.

Pour onto greased cookie sheet to 1/2 inch thick. Bake 12 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Do not cool completely. While still slightly warm frost with powdered sugar icing. Cool, cut and serve.