Ginger Cookies

Today is one of those cold, rainy, snow in the mountains, winter is coming kind of a day.  What better way cure the dreary day blues, than baking ?  It seemed like a perfect opportunity to try these ginger cookies.  Brynlee had a great time rolling the dough into balls and in the sugar.  Such a fun Mommy and daughter activity :)  Perfectly spiced, crispy on the outside, and chewy in the inside.  The smell of them baking them in the oven is intoxicating and the taste-irresistible!


Ginger Cookies
slightly modified from Paula Deen

• 3/4 cup butter flavored shortening
  1 cup sugar, plus more for rolling
  1 large egg
  1/4 cup molasses
  2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  2 teaspoons baking soda
  1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  1 teaspoon ground ginger
  1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  1/2 teaspoon salt
• 
  Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats. Using an electric mixer at low speed, cream the shortening and sugar until thoroughly combined. Add the egg and molasses and beat until completely incorporated. Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt and add to the mixture. Stir until combined. Roll the dough into balls about 1-inch in diameter. Roll the balls in sugar. Place 1/2-inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Flatten the balls slightly with your fingertips. Bake for 7-8 minutes until the outside is set and the cookie is golden brown and crinkled. Cool on wire racks.