Instructions

1. 1
   Take stick of butter out to soften.
2. 2
   Preheat oven to 325 and lightly grease 2 large baking sheets.
3. 3
   In a large bowl whisk together 4 C all purpose flour, ½ t salt, 2¼ t baking soda, 2 t ground ginger, 1¼ ground cloves, and 1¼ t cinnamon.
4. 4
   In another large bowl, with an electric mixer beat together the 1 stick of softened unsalted butter, ½ C vegetable shortening. and 3 C sugar until light and fluffy amd then beat in ½ C unsulfured molasses. Beat in 2 large eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture and combine well.
5. 5
   In a small shallow bowl put an additional ½ C sugar. Form dough into 2-inch balls and roll in sugar. On baking sheets arrange balls about 4 inches apart and flatten slightly with bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
6. 6
   Bake cookes in batches in middle of oven 15 minutes or until puffed and golden. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool. Go shorter if you want gooier cookies.