1 c. butter
2 1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg
1/4 c. plus 1 tbsp. water
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. molasses
3 1/2 c. all purpose flour

Melt butter; cool to room temperature. Combine butter and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl; beat well at medium speed of an electric mixer.

Combine water and soda, stirring until soda dissolves; add to creamed mixture; beating well. Stir in molasses and flour. Drop by teaspoonful, 3 inches apart onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 7 to 9 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Yield 8 dozen.