3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1/4 c. molasses
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground allspice

Cream shortening. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating well at medium speed with electric mixer. Add egg and molasses; mix well.

Combine flour and next 8 ingredients. Mix well. Add about 1/4 of flour mixture at a time to creamed mixture, beating until smooth after each addition. Chill dough 1 hour. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 9 to 11 minutes. (Tops will crack.) Cool on wire rack. Yield 4 dozen.