Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare cookie sheet.

Beat the shortening and the sugar together with an electric mixer. Add the egg and beat that into the mixture. Add the molasses and beat in until well blended.

Add the dry ingredients and mix until well blended.

Roll into small balls and place on prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies have cracks across the top. Cool slightly on the cookie sheet and remove and place on a cooling rack until completely cooled.

Can be eaten as they are or dipped in granulated sugar before baking or frost with a powdered sugar icing.