GINGER SPICE COOKIES

Steps:

• Combine first 6 ingredients in medium bowl; whisk to blend. Mix in crystallized ginger. Using electric mixer, beat brown sugar, butter in large bowl until fluffy. Add egg and molasses and beat until blended. Add flour mixture and mix just until blended. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 350°F Lightly butter 2 baking sheets, or line with parchment paper. Spoon sugar in thick layer onto small plate. Using wet hands, form dough into 1 1/4-inch balls; roll in sugar to coat completely. Place balls on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
• Bake cookies until cracked on top but still soft to touch, about 12 minutes. Cool on sheets 1 minute. Carefully transfer to racks and cool. (Can be made 5 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.)
• Makes about 30.
• * The original recipe called for light molasses and dark brown sugar. I found that regular molasses and light brown sugar worked great. The original recipe also called for 1/4 cup shortening and 1/4 cup butter. I followed the suggestions to omit the shortening and to use 1/2 cup of butter and it also worked out great.