big soft molasses cookies

2 1/2 cups flour (I sometimes use half whole-wheat, half white flour and the cookies turn out just as delicious!)

2 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 Tbsp. water

1/4 cup molasses

2 Tbsp. white sugar

Sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. Shape dough into walnut-sized balls and roll them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet and flatten slightly (I flatten them with the bottom of a glass or cup.) Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a rack to cool completely.