Molasses-Spice Crinkle Cookie

By Shelly17

I was looking for a "southern" inspired cookie to bring to a cookie exchange this year and picked this. I'm glad I did- it was a big hit. And, my husband loved this one too. Next time though, I may roll the cookies a little more lightly in the sparkling sugar instead of covering them totally. Made it just a touch more sweet than I would have liked.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup sparkling sugar

Preparation

Step 1

Beat shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar, beating well. Add egg and molasses; beat well.

Combine flour and next 8 ingredients, stirring well. Add one-fourth of flour mixture at a time to shortening mixture, beating at low speed after each addition until blended. Cover and chill 1 hour.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls, and roll in sparkling sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake at 375°Fahrenheit for 9 to 11 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.