Transfer cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet with the sanding sugar half pointed upwards. Lift, invert and dip the other half of the cookie into the granulated sugar. Dip the ball into the sanding sugar, pushing it down firmly to coat one half of the cookie. Shape dough into cookies by taking a heaping teaspoon of dough and rolling it into a 1-inch ball.Add the dry ingredients and mix until the ingredients are combined. Add the molasses, egg and orange zest and blend to incorporate. Place butter, shortening and brown sugar into a medium-sized bowl and combine using a hand mixer running on a low speed.Place flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, kosher salt and a sprinkle of black pepper into a bowl.Preheat oven to 350☏ with the rack in the middle position.½ cup butter (8 tablespoons), room temperature.
