Spice Sugar Cookies

Adapted from Gourmet magazine, October 1991
Makes 4 1/2 dozen cookies

3/4 cups unsalted butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
granulated sugar for rolling the cookies

In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter until light & fluffy.  Add the light brown sugar & blend until evenly incorporated, scraping down the sides, as needed.  Add in the beaten egg & molasses & blend.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves & salt.  Add the dry ingredients to the mixer, in batches, scraping down the bowl after each addition.  Chill the dough, covered, for 1 hour.
Scoop out the dough by the tablespoon, roll into a ball & roll in the granulated sugar.  Place on a parchment lined baking sheet, 3" apart.  Bake the cookies at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.  Rotate the pan halfway through the cooking time.
Transfer the cookies, using a metal spatula, to a rack & let them cool.