Soft and chewy molasses cookies on the inside, with loads of flavor and a delicately crispy sugar crust that makes interesting crackles as it bakes.
Ingredients
3/4 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 cup molasses
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup granulated sugar (they are especially nice with large-grained sanding sugar)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together shortening, brown sugar, egg and molasses until well blended.
- In a second bowl, stir together flour, salt, baking soda and spices.
- Stir the flour mixture into the shortening mixture until well blended.
- Chill 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape in balls the size of walnuts and dip one side in granulated sugar. Place sugared side up on prepared baking sheet 2 to 3 inches apart.
- Bake 10-12 minutes or until crackles form and they are set.