MOLASSES BAR COOKIES

1 cup sugar
6 Tbsp shortening
2 eggs, beaten, divided use
1/3 cup molasses
2 cups flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
jelly (for topping)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet.

Cream sugar and shortening together; add eggs, reserving 2 tablespoons egg. Stir in molasses. Add remaining ingredients except jelly.

Place on floured board; divide into 4 parts. Roll up each part; place on greased baking sheet. Flatten each roll; spread reserved beaten egg over top.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes. Cool; cut into bars.

Make depressions in center of warm cookies. Fill depressions with jelly.

Makes 3 dozen bars
Source: Nathanael S. Bennink