Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix shortening, brown sugar, molasses, and egg in a large bowl. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl. In batches, stir dry ingredient mix into wet ingredients.

Pour a small amount of sugar into a small bowl. Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Roll dough balls in sugar. Place dough balls on cookie sheet. Bake until cracks form, about 6-8 minutes.