Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Lightly butter 2 baking sheet. Whisk the flour, baking soda, ground ginger and salt in a medium bowl.

Beat the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the molasses, egg and fresh ginger. The mixture may look curdled. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture and beat until incorporated. Stir in the crystallized ginger with the rubber spatula. The door should be soft but not sticky. If its sticky, refrigerate 15 minutes.

Form tablespoons of dough into balls and roll in the course sugar. Arrange about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake, switching the position of the pants halfway through, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes on baking sheets, then transfer to racks to cool completely.