Betsy's Christmas Ginger Cookies

1 cup margarine

1 ½ cup sugar

1 egg

1 ½ tsp grated orange rind

2 Tbs molasses

2 tsp baking soda

3 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp powdered ginger

1 tsp powdered cloves

3 ½ cups flour

Soften margarine slightly and blend with all ingredients except flour. Then add flour to blend. Chill thoroughly. Roll out portions of dough 1/8 inch thick and cut shapes. Dough is sticky so flour surface well. Keep whatever dough is not being used in the refrigerator. Place cut shapes on ungreased cookie sheets. Sprinkle with a little sugar. Bake at 375 for 7 ½ to 8 minutes. They should look set, but may be a little puffy in the center. Don’t let them get brown or they will be too crispy. Makes about 4 dozen, but it depends on the size of the shapes.