Chewy Ginger Cookies

Christmas is coming, Christmas is coming! I have really been craving gingerbread cookies lately.  Which is funny, because I am not really a fan of molasses, yet I've been on a gingerbread roll.  Sometimes I confuse myself LOL.  I've been wanting to make gingerbread cookies, and I like cookies that are soft and "dippable" in tea.  I came across this recipe and thought I should give it a try!

Chewy Ginger Cookies (Source: Taste of Home, Best Loved Cookies and Bars)

3/4 cup shortening
1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flor
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Preheat oven to 375.

Cream shortening and 1 cup of sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.  Add in the egg, molasses and vanilla. Mix well.

In another bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, salt and cloves.   Slowly add to the creamed mixture and mix well.

Roll into 1 inch balls.  Rolls balls in the remaining sugar.  Place on ungreased baking sheet, approximately 1 1/2 inches apart.

Bake for 9-10 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool on wire racks.

VERDICT:
These were very close to what I was looking for!  They were a tad crunchy for me, but I think if I bake them for about 1 minute less they will be just perfect!   A nice, tasty, Christmas treat!