Chewy Ginger Cookies

When I got married almost ten years ago, my grandmother gave me a stack of “cooking” magazines she had saved since the 70’s. I guess she was trying to help, since I can’t cook. But I can bake, so when I was thumbing through those magazines and found this recipe I decided to give it a try and I am so glad I did!

After trying it the first time, we were hooked and I have been making these Chewy Ginger Cookies ever since. The magazine is long gone but the recipe is now handwritten in my recipe book for future generations. And now I share it with you, so that your family can enjoy that little recipe I found in a magazine from long ago……

Ingredients

¾ Cup shortening                                 1 Cup sugar

1 egg                                                    ¼ Cup molasses

1 teaspoon vanilla extract                      2 Cups flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon                            1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda         &nbsp              1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cloves

Now I am a “commando” baker. I just throw all my ingredients into a bowl and mix. But if you must, you start by creaming the shortening and the sugar together. Then add the egg, molasses and vanilla and mix well. After combining the dry ingredients in another bowl, add them to the mix. Make sure your dough is well combined.

Next make the dough into 1 inch balls. Take some extra sugar and put it in a bowl. You then roll the balls in the sugar. This is a wonderful thing for children to help with. This dusting of sugar not only adds a little sweet, but it makes the cookies sparkle when they are cooked! Place the balls on an UN-greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Yes, these cookies are just that simple! Oh but they taste so very yummy. I hope after whipping up a batch this Christmas season, that little recipe I found in a long ago magazine makes its way into your recipe book too!