Giant Ginger Cookies

Giant Ginger Cookies by Tiffany Vranes
Prep: 20 min
Bake: 11 min per batch
Oven: 350
Makes ~ 24 cookies

4 1/2 c. all-purpose flour (can usually only get 3 1/2 in with a hand mixer)
2 tsp ground ginger (was 4 in original recipe if you like it really gingery)
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c. molasses
3/4 c. sugar

1. In medium bowl stir together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Add the 2 c. sugar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and molasses until combined. Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour mixture.

2. Shape dough into 2" balls- roll in sugar. Place 2 1/2" apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake in a 350 oven for 11-13 min or until bottoms lightly browned and tops are puffed and cracked. Cool for 2 min on cookie sheet.