Molasses Sugar Cookies II

1 ½ cups shortening

2 cups white sugar

½ cup molasses

2 eggs

4 cups all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground ginger

Melt shortening and cool. Add sugar, eggs and molasses; beat well.

Sift the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, ground cloves and ginger. Add to the molasses mixture and stir until well combined. Chill dough for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.

Remove dough from the refrigerator and form into walnut sized balls. Roll balls in white sugar. Place balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes for chewy cookies and 10 to 12 minutes for crisper cookies. Store cookies in an airtight container.