4 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1/3 c. water
1 c. dark molasses
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter

Stir together flour, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and allspice. Set aside. Cream sugar and butter, add molasses and soda; mix well. Add dry ingredients alternately with water, blending well after each addition. Chill dough overnight.

On well floured surface roll dough 1/4 inch thick. Cut with 3 inch round cutter. Sprinkle surface of cookies lightly with sugar. Bake on greased cookie sheet at 375 degrees F. for 10-12 minutes.