Anna’S Colossal Ginger Cookies

• 3/4 cup butter flavored shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped crystallized ginger
• Crystal sugar (optional)

1. In a large bowl, microwave-safe bowl, melt shortening for about 1 minute on high. Beat in sugar, egg and molasses.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking soda, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, pepper and crystallized ginger.
3. With a wooden spoon, stir flour mixture into sugar mixture until thoroughly combined.
4. Using a 1/3 cup measure, scoop dough onto a dish. Place dish with dough scoops in refrigerator and chill thoroughly for at least 3 hours. To hasten the process, you may chill dough in freezer for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment.
6. Dip dough balls in crystal sugar (if using) and place sugar side up on parchment. Bake for 12 minutes. Lay a sheet of foil over cookies and continue baking for another 6-8 minutes for a total cook-time of 18-20 minutes.

butter, sugar, egg, molasses, flour, salt, baking soda, baking cocoa, cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, ginger, crystal sugar

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/anna-s-colossal-ginger-cookies-1212977 (may not work)