Simon's Coffee Shop Ginger Cookies

In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and cloves. In another large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Add the granulated sugar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and molasses until combined. Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour mixture. Dough will be soft.

Shape dough into 2-inch balls. Roll balls in the coarse or pearl sugar. Place 4 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Using the bottom of a glass, dipped in additional granulated sugar if necessary to prevent sticking, flatten dough to 3-inch rounds.

Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 11 to 13 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned, tops are puffed (do not overbake) and edges are firm. Cool on cookie sheet 2 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and let cool. Makes about 20 cookies.