Chewy, Spicy, Ginger Cookies - Perfect for the Holidays!

In my opinion, these are the best ever ginger cookies. The original recipe can be found here, but I made a few alterations, because I wanted to give them a bit more kick.

Chewy Ginger Cookies

Recipe from Bon Appétit

+ 2 cups all purpose flour

+ 3 teaspoons ground ginger

+ 2 teaspoons baking soda

+ 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

+ 1 teaspoon ground cloves

+ 3/4 teaspoon salt

+ 3/4 cup crystallized ginger (chopped small)

+ 1 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

+ 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, room temperature

+ 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

+ 1 large egg

+ 1/4 cup mild-flavored (light) molasses

+ Combine first 6 ingredients in medium bowl; whisk to blend. Mix in crystallized ginger. 

+ Using electric mixer, beat brown sugar, shortening and butter in large bowl until fluffy. Add egg and molasses and beat until blended. 

+ Add flour mixture and mix just until blended. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.

+ Preheat oven to 350°F. . Spoon sugar in thick layer onto small plate. Using wet hands, form dough into 1 1/4-inch balls; roll in sugar to coat completely. Place balls on baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. (Make sure to cover the baking sheets with parchment paper.)

+ Bake cookies until cracked on top but still soft to touch, about 12 minutes. Cool on sheets 1 minute. Carefully transfer to racks and cool. (Can be made 5 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.)