Molasses Sugar Cookies

This recipe is originally from Lynn (Loveland) Marlow and Mary H. Loveland, neighbors of my co-worker Pam Owensby (from Hawaii days). Pam brought these cookies to work one day and I am ashamed to say that I couldn’t stop eating them. It’s a lovely spice cookie and inspires me to keep molasses in the house.

¾ cup shortening

1 cup sugar

¼ cup molasses

1 egg

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 cups flour

½ teaspoon cloves

½ teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

Melt shortening in a 3-4 quart pan, over heat. Remove and allow to cool (but not solidify). Add sugar, molasses, and egg. Beat well. Sift in dry ingredients and mix well. Chill. Roll into 1 inch balls, roll in sugar, and place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes. (This recipe can be all mixed by hand in the sauce pan.)