Ingredients
3/4 cup butter flavored shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking cocoa
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped crystallized ginger
Crystal sugar (optional)
Preparation
In a large bowl, microwave-safe bowl, melt shortening for about 1 minute on high. Beat in sugar, egg and molasses.
In a separate bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking soda, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, pepper and crystallized ginger.
With a wooden spoon, stir flour mixture into sugar mixture until thoroughly combined.
Using a 1/3 cup measure, scoop dough onto a dish. Place dish with dough scoops in refrigerator and chill thoroughly for at least 3 hours. To hasten the process, you may chill dough in freezer for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment.
Dip dough balls in crystal sugar (if using) and place sugar side up on parchment. Bake for 12 minutes. Lay a sheet of foil over cookies and continue baking for another 6-8 minutes for a total cook-time of 18-20 minutes.
