Molasses Crinkles

These are one of my most favorite Christmas cookies from my childhood. We would take some of these delicious and beautiful cookies to church during Christmas every year. So, when I was asked to bring three dozen cookies to Christmas Eve service at my church this year, these were an easy choice. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Merry Christmas!

Molasses Crinkles
from my adorable Mommy; original source unknown

Ingredients:

¾ c. shortening
1 c. dark brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
¼ c. unsulfered molasses
2 tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
½ tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 1/2--2 c. all-purpose flour, plus more, if necessary (I used close to 2 c.)
granulated sugar, for dipping
water, for dripping

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients, except flour, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with blade attachment. Make sure all the spices are mixed thoroughly.

2. Sift in 1 1/2 c. flour and mix just enough to moisten everything. If the dough is sticky, add more flour, 1/4 c. at a time, until dough reaches desired consistency and is no longer sticky. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for one to two hours.

3. Roll a walnut-sized amount of dough into a ball. Dip the top in granulated sugar. Place them about 3” apart, sugar side up, on baking sheet lined with a Silpat or parchment paper. Drip one drop of water on top of each cookie.

4. Bake @ 375º for 9-11 minutes. Let cool on wire rack, on baking sheet, until firm enough to move.