Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp ground ginger

1 rounded tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 egg

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup molasses

extra 1/2 cup sugar

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl (or stand mixer), cream together the butter and sugars until smooth. Beat in the egg, then stir in the vanilla and molasses. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients. Cover and refrigerate dough 1-3 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll chilled dough into balls, and roll them in the extra sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto a lined/lightly greased cookie sheet, and flatten slightly with fingertips. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.