Dinner & A Book

Ingredients

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each batch):

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1/4 cup molasses
• Additional sugar

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the first 9 ingredients. Divide into 3 batches; store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 3 batches (9 cups total).
2. To prepare cookies: Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add egg and molasses; mix well. Add 3 cups cookie mix; beat until smooth.
3. Shape into 1-in. balls and roll in sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until the edges are firm and the surface cracks, 9-11 minutes. Cool on wire racks.