3/4 c. shortening
1 c. granulated 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 cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
Granulated sugar for tops

Cream shortening; gradually add 1 cup sugar, beaten well at medium speed of an electric mixer. Add egg and molasses; mix well.

Combine flour and next 8 ingredients; mix well. Add about 1/4 of flour mixture, beating until smooth after each addition. Chill dough 1 hour.

Shape dough into 1 inch balls and roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 9-11 minutes. (Tops will be cracked.) Cool on wire racks. Yields 4 dozen.