I’ve been baking ginger cookies a lot this holiday, but they are so delicious I’m not sick of them yet! A couple of recipients have asked for the recipe, so I thought I’d give it to everybody. These make great gifts for neighbors, teachers or the milkman, and are a great addition to a cookie platter. As a bonus, they are VERY easy to make- a needed attribute this time of year! This recipe was originally given to me by a dear friend of the family, but I’m not sure of her source. You can use it to make either giant or more traditionally sized cookies (I’ve included instructions for both, so be sure to double check baking times). But better make two batches- they are hard to resist until company comes!

Giant Ginger Cookies

4½ cups flour
4 tsp. ground ginger (the fresher the ginger, the spicier the cookies)
2 tsp baking soda
1½ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp salt
1½ cup shortening
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
½ cup molasses
¾ cup coarse or granulated sugar

1. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat shortening on low for 30 seconds to soften. Gradually add 2 cups of sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add eggs and molasses. Beat well.
3. Add ½ of the flour mixture to shortening mixture. Beat until combined.
4. If using a hand mixer, mix the rest of the flour mixture in with a heavy spoon. If using a heavy duty stand mixer, use it to stir in the remaining flour mixture.
5. FOR GIANT COOKIES: Shape dough into 2 inch balls using a ¼ cup of dough per ball. Roll balls in the ¾ cup sugar.   FOR REGULAR SIZED COOKIES: Scoop out dough with ¼ cup measuring cup, then split in half. Roll each half in sugar.
6. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, about 2½ inches apart (2 inches for regular sized cookies). Bake at 350 degrees, 12-14 minutes for giant cookies, 10-11 minutes for regular sized. Bake until they are light brown and puffed.
7. Let stand 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. Makes about 22 giant cookies or 45 regular cookies.

I hope you love these cookies as much as I do! Enjoy!