"Everyone will love these molasses cookies. They are quick and easy to make. They will disappear just as fast. ;-)"

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup dark molasses
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• Sugar for topping

Directions:

Beat 1 cup sugar and the shortening in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in remaining ingredients except the sugar for topping. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours until dough is firm.

Heat oven to 375º. Generously grease cookie sheet. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on generously floured cloth-covered surface. Cut into 3-inch circles. Sprinkle with sugar. Place about 1 1/2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until almost no indentation remains when touched lightly in center. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.