Molasses-Sugar Cookies

This is another recipe that I adapted from the Southern Living "Cookies" cookbook. I added nutmeg (a common theme in my cooking) and changed out the shortening for butter. Butter, shortening, or margarine all work well in this recipe, but it will change the texture slightly. Try all three to see which one you prefer.

¾ cup butter

1 cup sugar

¼ cup molasses

1 large egg

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

¼ cup sugar

Melt shortening in a large saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat; cool. Stir in 1 cup sugar, molasses, and egg.

Combine flour and next 5 ingredients in a large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar mixture, beating at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended.

Shape dough into 48 1-inch balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield: about 4 dozen.