Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar for rolling (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla, beating until combined.
  5. Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet, mixing until just combined.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
  7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and roll in sugar if desired.
  8. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly, and bake for 10-12 minutes until just set but still soft.
  9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.