Fluffy Molasses Cookies

• softened butter or 1/2 cup margarine1⁄2 cup
• Crisco shortening↗1⁄2 cup
• white sugar↗3⁄4 cup
• brown sugar↗3⁄4 cup
• molasses↗1⁄2 cup
• large eggs, lightly beaten↗2
• flour↗4 cups
• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• baking soda↗2 1⁄4 teaspoons
• ground ginger↗2 1⁄4 teaspoons
• ground cloves↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• ground cinnamon↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, shortening and sugars until light colored and fluffy.

3. 3

   Beat in molasses and eggs; set mixture aside.

4. 4

   In another large bowl, combine flour (no need to sift), salt, baking soda, ginger, cloves and cinnamon.

5. 5

   Blend thoroughly with wire whisk.

6. 6

   Gradually mix flour mixture into creamed ingredients until dough is blended and smooth.

7. 7

   Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls.

8. 8

   Dip tops in granulated sugar; place 2 1/2- inches apart on greased cookie sheet.

9. 9

   Bake at 350° for 11 minutes.

10. 10

    Do not overbake.

11. 11

    Cool on wire rack.

12. 12

    To keep cookies soft and chewy, store in a tightly covered container along with slices of raw apple between layers.

13. 13

    These cookies also freeze beautifully.