Crinkle Tops...

This sweet, chewy molasses cookie recipe called Crinkle Tops was the winner of the Good Morning America Christmas Cookie Contest in 2002.  I bake them every Christmas and today I made them for my Knit Lit knitting circle.  As always, everyone loved them so I am passing on the recipe:

Crinkle Tops by Elisa Leverton

3/4 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 egg beaten

4 Tablespoons dark molasses

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 level teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon ground cloves

2 cups flour

1 cup golden raisins (optional)

1.  Cream together shortening, sugar and egg until smooth.

2.  Add the reamining ingredients and mix.

3.  Form into walnut-sized balls and roll them in granulated sugar before placing them on an un-greased cookie sheet.

4.  Allow room for the cookie to spread.  Bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees,  being careful not to overbake. (They will not be chewy if overbaked.)