Theresa's Favorite Spice Cookie

I made these cookies last year, and Theresa wanted me to make her 10 or 12 dozen.   When Theresa came back from China to visit I made some more for her.

Spice Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup shortening

3/4 cup molasses

1 large egg

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ginger ( I make this a heaping half teaspoon)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cloves

Sanding sugar. (I mix regular granulated sugar with larger crystal sugar. Very pretty)

Combine butter, brown sugar, shortening, molasses and egg in mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed. Scrape the bowl often, beat until creamy.

Reduce speed to low

Mix remaining ingredients in bowl.  Add this to the creamed mixture.

Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour. I usually let it sit over night

Preheat oven to 375

Use a medium cookie scoop to make 1 1/2 inch balls of dough.  Roll into sanding sugar. Place 2 inches apart on parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Slightly flatten cookies with a glass dipped in sugar.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.