Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsulfured molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer on medium speed.
  4. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up slightly.
  7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, then roll in granulated sugar.
  8. Place the dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
  10. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.