Molasses Cookies

I'm getting to the point where I don't bother to keep these as a Christmastime cookie.  They are so dang good, I could eat them any time of year!

14 tablespoons butter

2 cups sugar, divided

1/3 cup molasses

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Preheat the oven to 350.  Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil.  In a medium saucepan, melt the butter on medium heat.  Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of sugar and molasses.  Cool for a little while.  Seriously, go watch a tv show or read a chapter of your current book.  

Meanwhile, mix the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.  (Ok, now take your break.)  Beat the egg into the butter mixture in the saucepan, then gradually add the flour mixture and stir until well combined (dough will be soft).  If you didn't wait long enough, the dough will still be sticky and soft, so go wait some more.  

Pour the remaining sugar into a small bowl.  Shape the dough into 1 inch balls, then roll each ball in the sugar.  Place the balls on the cookie sheet, leaving 1 inch between.  Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or til they are flattened.  Makes 5 dozen scrumptiously delicious treats!