Molasses Spice Crinkles

a.k.a. you won't keep your hands out of the cookie jar with these on hand.  This is yet another of my favorite cookies.  The amounts here only make 3 dozen, which I should have known would not be near enough, yet I only made a single batch this time.  Such a great cookie--hope you enjoy!!

Link to my YouTube "making of the recipe" video: https://youtu.be/RTiCqQ-TYnw

Original recipe: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/molasses-spice-crinkles

Recipe below contains my modifcations.

Ingredients:

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 cloves
1/4 tsp. ground allspice

3/4 c. shortening (I used butter flavored Crisco)
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1/4 c. molasses

~1 c. sparkling/sanding sugar

Directions:

1. Combine flour and rest of ingredients (except sparkling sugar) in a medium bowl. Set aside.

2. Beat shortening with electric mixer until fluffy.

3. Add sugar, beat well.

4. Add egg and molasses, beat well.

5. Add flour mixture around a third at a time and mix well.

6. Refrigerate for 1 hour (or longer).

7. When ready to bake, heat oven to 375°F.  Form 1" balls and roll them in the sparkling sugar.

8. Place on baking sheet and bake for 9 to 11 minutes (I went 9 1/2).  Tops will be crackled.

9. Let rest on baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to rack to cool completely.

10. Grab some milk and enjoy!