The Best Ever

I just made the best Soft Ginger Cookies.
Really...they are so yummy!

I have a friend that makes the best cookies in the world. We went to visit them last night, and I am always too intimidated to take her cookies. Well...I was pretty darn excited to take these Ginger cookies to her. And guess what? She asked me for the recipe. I just have to share so you can partake of their goodness.

SOFT GINGER COOKIES

4 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup robust (dark) molasses
1/2 cup pure vegetable shortening
1 large egg, beaten to blend
1/2 cup boiling water
Additional sugar

Preparation

Combine first 8 ingredients in large bowl. Add molasses, shortening, and egg. Using electric mixer, beat until well blended. Beat in 1/2 cup boiling water.
Chill dough 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Roll chilled dough by generous tablespoonfuls into balls.
Roll in additional sugar to coat.
Place dough balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake until cookies are puffed and cracked on top and tester inserted into center comes out with some moist crumbs attached, about 10 minutes (do not over bake).
Transfer cookies to racks and cool.