Combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, butter and molasses;

beat until light and fluffy. Add egg and water; blend well. Lightly

spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add flour and all remaining

ingredients, except additional sugar or icing; mix well to form a smooth

dough. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate one hour for easier handling.

Heat oven to 350*. Roll portions of dough into medium sized balls, roll in

sugar (if you want them sugar coated) or leave plain if you plan to ice

them. (Keep remaining dough refrigerated.) Place on cookie sheet and

bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes or until set. Immediately

remove

from cookie sheets. Ice when cool.