2cupsgranulated sugar, plus you'll need more for rolling
2largeeggs, room temperature
½cupmolasses, dark
4 ½cupsall purpose flour, measure by lightly spooning into the cup
2teaspoonsbaking soda
½teaspoonsalt
1teaspooncinnamon
1 ½tablespoonsground ginger
1teaspoonground cloves
¼teaspooncayenne pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Have ready two or three large cookie sheets lined with parchment or Silpats.
Using an electric mixer, beat butter until creamy. Beat in shortening, then add sugar in ¼ cup increments. When it is all in, continue beating for another 2 minutes.
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl with the molasses, then add to the batter.
In a separate bowl, thoroughly stir together the flour, soda, salt and remaining spices. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and stir until mixed.
Shape dough into 24 balls (use a dry ¼ cup measure). Roll the balls in sparkly sugar or extra granulated sugar. Place 3 inches apart on cookie sheets and bake one sheet at a time on center rack of oven for 13-15 minutes. Cookies should appear cracked on top but still slightly soft.