Molasses Crinkle Cookies

It just isn't Christmas for me without gingerbread. This is a simple little recipe that I make every year. It is especially easy for kids who are just learning their way around a kitchen. Kids love to roll the dough and dip in the sugar. The cookies are chewy inside with a great, crispy outside. These gingerbread cookies are a fun replacement for tradition gingerbread men.

3/4 cup butter (unsalted) (the directions call for shortening but I have only ever used butter, so use whichever you would like= 3/4 c shortening)

1 cup light brown sugar (packed)

1 egg

1/4 cup Unsulphured Molasses

2 1/4 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cloves

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

Mix butter, sugar, egg and molasses. Stir in remaining ingredients. Chill Dough. Heat oven to 375〫Roll dough into balls the size of whole walnuts, dip tops in sugar. Place sugared side up on greased baking sheet. Sprinkle cookies with 2-3 drops of water for the crackled surface. Bake 10-12 minutes.