Soft, Spicy, Heavenly Ginger Cookies

• margarine, softened↗3⁄4 cup
• white sugar↗1 cup
• molasses↗1⁄4 cup
• all-purpose flour↗2 1⁄2 cups
• water↗1⁄3 cup
• baking soda↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• ground ginger↗2 teaspoons
• ground cinnamon↗1 teaspoon
• ground cloves↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• nutmeg↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• fresh ginger, chopped↗1 tablespoon
• salt↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• raisins↗3⁄4 cup

  optional

• white sugar↗2 tablespoons

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.

2. 2

   Stir in the molasses.

3. 3

   Mix the water and baking soda and stir.

4. 4

   Sift together the flour, salt, and dry spices; add gradually to the sugar-margarine mixture.

5. 5

   Gradually stir the sifted ingredients, along with the ginger and raisins, into the molasses mixture.

6. 6

   Shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar.

7. 7

   (The dough may be too soft to handle at this point- I suggest either adding a bit of flour, or refrigerating for 20 minutes[or even overnight]).

8. 8

   Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and flatten slightly.

9. 9

   Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.