Not to brag but this cookie did win first prize at the Pelham Bake Off in the summer of 2019 for the sweet and salty category. I took the recipe originally from the side of the molasses bottle but modified it a bit to make it my own.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup shortening

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/4 cup molasses

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 egg

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Granulated sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Beat shortening, butter, brown sugar, molasses, vanilla and egg thoroughly in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients except granulated sugar.

Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Shape dough into walnut-sized balls. Dip tops in granulated sugar. Place balls, sugared sides up, 3 inches apart on cookie sheet. Sprinkle each with 2 or 3 drops of water. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or just until set but not hard. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack to cool.

Optional: try adding in 1 tablespoon of orange zest for a warm flavor.