Soft Molasses Cookies

A new favorite around here. From a church cookbook.

1/2 c softened butter
1/2 c shortening
1 1/2 c sugar
2 lg eggs
1/2 c molasses
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/4 tsp ground ginger
4 c flour
2 1/4 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and sugar until light-colored and fluffy. Beat in molasses and eggs. Set mixture aside. In another large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon. Blend thoroughly with a wire whisk. Gradually mix flour mixture into creamed ingredients until dough is blended and smooth. Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Dip tops in granulated sugar. (I forgot to do that and they were still perfect.) Place 2 1/2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 11 minutes. Do not overbake. Cool on wire rack. Store in tightly-covered container to maintain softness. Makes 3 dozen. (I got 4 dozen out of it. Maybe I don't measure well.)