Hi Betty--this recipe is a family T & T recipe that is probably close to 100 years old. My great-grandma used to make them for my mom (she is 70) when she was a child, and who knows how old the recipe was then. We even included it in our family history book. I think my mom said she used the lard, but mom changed it to butter--but either way, they are soft, puffy and delicious! I make them every Christmas!

Great grandma's Molasses Cookies

1 egg
1/2 cup butter or lard
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
2-1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream, sour milk or 1 tablespoon vinegar added to 1 c. milk
Butter Frosting (below)

Cream together egg with butter or lard, sugar and molasses. Mix together dry ingredients; add gradually to creamed mixture, alternating with sour cream or milk. Bake (I bake at about 325?) until done (light brown around the edges, but do not overbake!). While warm, not hot, frost with butter frosting.
Butter frosting: powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, pinch salt and bit of milk. sorry, she gave no quantities, just until it looks right (or your favorite buttercream frosting recipe with these ingredients). (Note--I sometimes add a little grated orange zest to the frosting--it's very good)

Description:
"An old family recipe, and the best molasses cookies I have ever had! Soft and delicious!"

The milk makes a lighter cookie, the sour cream richer... Hope this is close to what you are looking for!
Sheryl in AZ

http://www.nancyskitchen.com