Ginger Pillows

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, preferably unbleached
• Granulated sugar (for coating)

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Combine sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda and salt with an electric mixer at medium speed for 20 seconds.
3. Add butter, egg, and molasses and beat at medium speed for 2 minutes, until smooth and light in color.
4. Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula and add flour, beating on low speed for 20 seconds, until the flour is blended in.
5. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to be sure the dough is completely mixed.
6. Place some granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
7. Drop the dough by heaping tablespoonsful into the sugar, tossing them so that they are completely coated with sugar.
8. Place dough on cookie sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies are done when they are puffed and the tops crack.
9. Remove from the oven. Place cookies on wire rack to cool.
10. When cool, store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.