Hermit Bar Cookies

"Spicy molasses cookies with a hint of coffee are baked in long strips then cut into bars after baking."

Servings: 42
 
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup warm coffee
• 1 egg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup raisins

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease cookie sheets.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until smooth. Stir in the molasses and egg.
   Dissolve the baking soda in warm coffee; stir into the molasses mixture. Combine the flour, salt, cinnamon and cloves; Gradually stir into the batter. Mix in raisins. Form dough into 4 long strips lengthwise on the cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheets then cut each strip into 2-inch bars while still warm.