Grandma's Swedish Gingersnaps

1 cup sugar
3/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup molasses
1 beaten egg
2 cups flour
2 1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp salt
sugar
In a large bowl cream together 1 cup sugar and shortening, add molasses and mix well. Add egg, beat well. In a medium bowl mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Mix into molasses mixture until thoroughly combined. Cover and chill at least 1 hour or overnight (I have skipped the chilling and they were fine!) Roll dough into 1 inch balls then roll in sugar. Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 7 to 9 min. If you want them soft in the middle, bake just until they show cracks on top. If want them crisp then bake longer. (Good both ways). Remove from cookie sheet. Cool.
Makes 3 doz. cookies.