Molasses Snowballs

Ingredients

• 1 cup of shortening
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup of molasses
• 4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar for rolling

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Beat in the egg and molasses until well blended.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix until just blended.
5. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, roll them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Molasses is a byproduct of sugar refining and is made from the juice of sugarcane or sugar beets.
• Molasses has been used for centuries as a sweetener and is a key ingredient in many traditional recipes.
• Molasses is high in iron, calcium, and other essential minerals.