Sugar Ball of Spice Cookies
Contributed by Diane S.

Jacqueline Robinson, Bowie

"These are favorites of my family. I usually make several batches so that I
can freeze them and have them for the holiday season. They seem to
disappear quickly."

Makes about 4 dozen

3/4 cup shortening (use all butter or half vegetable shortening and butter)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided use
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream shortening well in mixer. Add 1 cup sugar gradually. Beat in egg and
molasses. Sift dry ingredients together, except for sugar, and add to
mixture. Form in 1-inch balls in the palm of your hand and roll in
remaining sugar. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets 2 inches apart and
bake in 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes.

The dough can be made several hours ahead of time and refrigerated until
ready to bake. These cookies also freeze well.