Molasses Cookies

I made these during the holidays for Matilda and they turned out fantastic.  I just love the molasses flavor and they are so soft and look almost like a ginger snap.  I will definitely be making these again this year.  

Molasses Cookies

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup molasses(I used the kind that is sulfer free)
• 1 egg
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Cooking spray

Directions

• Combine brown sugar and shortening in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg; beat well. 
• Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. 
• Combine flour and next 5 ingredients (through salt), stirring with a whisk.
• Add flour mixture to sugar mixture; beat at low speed just until blended. 
• Cover and freeze 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 375°.
• Place water in a small bowl. 
• Place granulated sugar in another small bowl. 
• Lightly coat hands with cooking spray. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Dip one side of each ball in water; dip wet side in sugar.
• Place balls, sugar side up, 1 inch apart, on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 8 minutes or until the cookie starts to crack and form beautiful ridges on the inside.  If it isn't cracked, there's a good chance the middle is still doughy.  
• Remove from pans; cool on wire racks.

Source:  Myrecipe.com