Soft Molasses Cookies
alt.cooking.chien/Rich Benner (1999)

"I got this recipe out of an old notebook that my dear departed mother had. The only problem is that it only listed the ingredients and did not give any instructions. I managed to write some instructions but they're not the best. The cookies however are excellent!!! This recipe has been halved from the original and it still makes 3-dozen. This is a VERY moist cookie!" - Rich

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 cup solid shortening (like Crisco)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup dark molasses
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup boiling water
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Sift all dry ingredients together in mixing bowl; set aside.

In large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar together; add molasses and egg and mix thoroughly. Add boiling water and vanilla to molasses mixture in large bowl and blend well.

SLOWLY beat dry ingredients into molasses mixture; blend thoroughly. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on wire racks.