Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour, measure after sifting
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups butter, at room temperature, (2 1/2 sticks)
1 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
Preparation:
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat sheets.
Combine the first 6 ingredients, mixing to thorouthly blend.
Add the remaining ingredients; beat with electric mixer for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl a few times.
Wrap the dough in waxed paper and chill for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350° with the rack in the center position.
Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake until the tops are set, 12 to 15 minutes.
Cool on wire racks.