1/2 lb. unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
1 c. plus 6 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 egg
1/3 c. molasses
3 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. powdered ginger

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, egg, molasses and continue to beat until well mixed. In another bowl mix flour, salt, cinnamon and ginger. Add to butter mixture and mix well.

Divide dough into 3 equal parts, wrap in plastic wrap and chill 1/2 hour. On lightly floured board, roll each piece of dough into a log 1 3/4 inches across. Wrap logs in plastic and place in freezer 20 to 30 minutes until firm.

Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Slice logs into cookies 1/4 inch thick. Place on cookie sheet, sprinkle tops with sugar and bake 8 to 10 minutes.