Big Soft Ginger Cookies

Hands-On Time:10 minutes
Ready In: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 to 2 1/2 dozen cookies

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter - softened 1/4 cup vegetable shortening 1 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1/4 cup molasses 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground ginger 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt colored nonpareil sprinkles

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or grease lightly with cooking spray.
2. Blend butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses and stir until smooth.
3. Stir together flour, spices, salt and baking soda. Add to wet ingredients with a wooden spoon until well combined. Batter will be stiff.
4. Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls and dip in nonpareils. Set on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until cookies are puffy and slightly dry. Remove from oven and cool on baking sheets for 3 minutes. Transfer to racks to complete cooling.