Step 1

Beat wet ingredients. Beat shortening, sugar, and egg with an electric mixer together for 3-4 minutes. Add the boiled apple cider and beat until well blended.

Step 2

Combine dry ingredients and add to the shortening mixture. In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Add to the wet ingredients, one-third at a time, mixing on low until just combined.

Step 3

Chill dough and preheat the oven. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for an hour. Towards the end of the chilling time, preheat the oven to 375° with the rack in the center.

Step 4

Shape and roll. Shape the dough into tablespoon-sized ball and roll in sparkling sugar. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets 2 inches apart.

Step 5

Bake and cool. Bake for 9-11 minutes, depending on how crisp you would like the edges. Cool on racks. Store in an airtight container for up to five days.