gingersnaps

these cookies remind me of christmas’ when I was growing up.  these are very delicious spice cookies.  if you don’t have any cardamom, you can double the cinnamon instead.

¾ cup shortening1 cup white sugar
¼ cup molasses
1 egg
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups flour
½ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon cardamom
½ teaspoon salt
4 t red granulated sugar
4 t green granulated sugar
2 t dark brown sugar
1 t cinnamon

1. melt the shortening in the microwave and let cool.  add white sugar, molasses, and egg and mix well.
   
2. sift together the next 7 ingredients (baking soda through salt) and add to the shortening and sugar mixture.  mix well and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 1 week.
   
3. when you are ready to bake the cookies, remove the dough from the refrigerator and pre-heat oven to 375.
   
4. in a shallow bowl mix together the remaining ingredients (red sugar through the cinnamon).
   
5. form the dough into 1 inch balls, roll in sugar mixture and place on cookies sheets 2 inches apart.
   
6. bake at 375 degrees for 8 -10 minutes.