Spice Cookies

12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1¼ cups sugar

1 large egg

¼ cup molasses

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon table salt

Combine the butter and 1 cup of the sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in the egg and molasses.

Sift the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and salt together onto a piece of parchment. Add to the butter mixture in 2 batches, beating just until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 2 to 3 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the remaining ¼ cup sugar in a pie plate. Shape the dough into walnut-size balls and roll in sugar to coat. Arrange 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets and bake until cracked and dry but still soft, about 10 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to cool on wire racks.