Bea's Molasses Crinkles

  My friend, Elaine, gave me permission to use her grandmother's recipe and to share it with others. So I took pictures of my baking event. I really love this recipe because it is so easy to make and tastes delicious. It reminds me of my childhood when my mom would make them for us. 

  I mixed the shortening, brown sugar, egg, and molasses first. Then you add the dry ingredients. You have to chill the dough before forming into balls about the shape of a walnut. I made mine slightly bigger or maybe my idea of a walnut is too small. Whatever, the bigger size came out better.

 I let the dough chill for about 30 minutes to an hour. I used a small scoop to try and get the balls to be more uniform, but you can eyeball it, too.                                       

                                                         

The mixing did not take any time at all. I loved rolling them in sugar. Next I sprinkled each cookie with 2 or 3 drops of water for a crackled surface. Hence the name of the cookie.

These are how they came out. I love the crinkled effect . Makes them look more delicious.

I hope you enjoy making and eating these little gems. I tried to include a picture of Elaine's batch , but for some reason I couldn't do it.. The recipe is below. Happy eating!!!

1. Bea's Favorite Molasses Crinkles: Mix the next ingredients thoroughly.
2. 3/4 cup of soft shortening ( I used unsalted butter.)
3. 1 cup packed brown sugar. (You could used 1 cup of granulated, but the cookie will be less dense.
4. 1 egg
5. 1/4cup molasses
6. Stir in : 2 1/2 cups sifted flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ginger
7. Chill dough.
8. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough into balls. Dip tops in sugar. Place sugar side up, 3 inches apart onto a greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle each ball with 2 or 3 drops of water for the crackled appearance. Bake 10-12 minutes, just until set, but not hard. Makes about 4 dozen. Double the recipe of more.