Jumbo Molasses Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

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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

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 sugar. 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.