Sugar Coated Molasses Cookies

There will come a point in this recipe where you think you can't possibly add any more flour. Your mixer, if it's a small one, may even become alarmingly warm. But push on and all your hard work will be rewarded with some of the tastiest and most comforting cookies I have come across. They're great for dipping in a cup of tea or just for snacking on. I particularly like to make them to give away at the holidays.

• Ready In: 27 mins
• Yields: 36 cookies

Ingredients

• 1  cup butter, softened
• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 1⁄2 cup molasses
• 2  large eggs
• 4  cups flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1⁄4 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 1⁄4 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cloves
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
•  additional sugar

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar.
2. Beat in the molasses and eggs.
3. Separately, combine the dry ingredients, then slowly mix into the wet ingredients.
4. When blended and smooth, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch around.
5. Dip the tops in sugar and place on greased or non-stick baking sheets.
6. Bake at 350°F or 180°C for 10-12 minutes.
7. Cool on a wire rack, then store in a tightly covered container to keep the cookies soft.