Molasses Cookies
Mary Bahls, Beaver Dam

1-1/2 cups shortening 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup dark (full-bodied) molasses 2 eggs 4 tsp. baking soda 4 cups flour 1-1/2 tsp. ground cloves 1-1/2 tsp. ground ginger 2-1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt

   In a large bowl, melt shortening. Let cool. Add sugar, molasses, and eggs and mix well. Combine dry ingredients and gradually add to molasses mixture. Mix well. Dough will be fairly stiff. Chill dough at least 2 hours. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Form dough into 1-inch balls, roll in sugar, and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with back of spoon. Bake 8–10 minutes. Let cool on cookie sheet 1 minute before removing to cooling rack. Makes 5 dozen.