Molasses Cookies

I have never made a molasses cookie before, nor have I ever eaten one.  The closest I have come to enjoying molasses was in pecan pie.  Let me tell you though, these cookies have changed my mind.  Slightly crunchy on the outside, soft in the inside and a little bit of spice and sweet, equals a mouth watering and most perfect combination ever!  Not only are they delicious, the house smelled amazing when I baked them.  I followed the recipe found on the Taste of Home website, but I made a few spice changes.  I rolled my molasses cookies in cinnamon sugar and then added more cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of cloves.  Here is the Taste of Home link Mom's Molasses Cookies but my recipe follows.

Molasses Cookies
3/4 cup shortening

1-1/4 cups sugar, divided

1 egg

1/4 cup molasses

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

2  1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon reserved for cinnamon sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4  teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves

In a large bowl, cream shortening and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, milk and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Roll into 1-1/4-in. balls; roll in remaining sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
Bake at 350° for 10-14 minutes or until tops crack and edges are slightly firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield: 5 dozen.