COOKIE JAR GINGERSNAPS

My grandma kept two cookie jars in her pantry. One of the jars, which I now have, always contained these crisp and chewy gingersnaps. My daughter entered this recipe in a 4-H competition and won a blue ribbon.

—DEB HANDY POMONA, KS



PREP: 20 MIN. • BAKE: 15 MIN./BATCH • MAKES: 3 DOZEN


3/4 cup shortening

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided

1 large egg

1/4 cup molasses

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Cream the shortening and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses. In another bowl, combine next five ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

2. Shape level tablespoonfuls of dough into balls. Dip one side into remaining sugar; place 2 in. apart, sugary side up, on greased baking sheets. Bake until lightly browned and crinkly, 12-15 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.