Ginger Cookies

Directions

1. 1
   In small bowl, combine dry ingredients and mix well.
2. 2
   In a mixer, combine Crisco and sugar until well blended. Add egg, mix well. Add molasses and mix. Add orange zest and mix. Slowly add dry ingredients until well combined.
3. 3
   Chill dough for at least 2 hours.
4. 4
   Preheat oven to 350 F.
5. 5
   Roll dough into small balls and dip the tops in granulated sugar. Place far apart on a cookie sheet (they spread).
6. 6
   Bake at 350 F for 10-12 minutes. Cookies will puff up-take them out when they are on the way down. Let sit on the cookie sheet for 1 minute before removing to a wire rack to cool.
7. 7
   Note: chilled dough should be very stiff. The cookies are very crunchy when cooled.
8. 8
   For high altitude baking, use a pinch more cinnamon and ginger, reduce baking soda by half, and reduce baking time to 8-9 minutes.