Molasses Cookies!

Back when I had three boys ages 4 and under I didn't do much baking.  In fact, I don't remember doing much baking over the years except for special occasions.  I'll admit it.  I was overwhelmed and could barely keep it together some days.  


But now that more than half of my kids are grown I have been making cookies and baked stuff more.  It is not as time consuming as I thought it was back then but like I said, I was overwhelmed.


This past week I called my mom and asked her which recipe she used when we were kids to make molasses cookies.  She referred me to my growing up church's oldest cookbook that I own.  I believe my mom bought it for me when I was a baby.  Or maybe before I was born.  Not sure.  


Anyway, we agreed on the recipe that she used and I made them for the first time in a long time.  Well, my family loved them as much as I did as a kid so I made them again yesterday so Zach could eat some fresh from the oven since he was home.


Here's the recipe:


3/4 cup shortening
1 cup sugar 
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg, beaten
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt




Melt shortening in a 3 or 4 quart saucepan.  Remove from heat.  Let cool.  Add sugar, molasses and egg.  Mix well. Sift dry ingredients and add to first mixture.  Mix well.  Chill for at least 2 hours.  Form into 1 inch balls and roll in sugar.
Bake in 375 degree oven for 8-10 minutes (I baked them for 10).

Enjoy!