Traditions: Holiday Baking, Part 1

Most members of my extended family have a very prominent sweet tooth....so baking and enjoying a wide variety of holiday goodies is a given. I've experimented with a plethora of bars, cookies, cakes, candies and treats since B and I have married...some items were only prepared one year...others have become "must-haves"....these cookies top the list and are one of hubby's favorite things. This year, we've discovered that E loves them, too! I made these this morning, and the house smelled so good while they were baking!



Jumbo Molasses Cookies
Yes, this recipe makes a ton of cookies...great to share!
Or, the recipe can easily be halved.


INGREDIENTS:
3 cups butter
4 cups sugar
1 cup molasses
4 eggs
8 cups all-purpose flour
2 2/3 tablespoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Additional sugar

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add molasses and eggs; mix well. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves and ginger; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
2. Shape 1/4 cupfuls of dough into balls; roll in sugar. Place four cookies on a greased baking sheet at a time. Bake at 350 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until edges are set.

Remove to wire racks to cool.