Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
In a medium sized bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together brown sugar and shortening. Add egg and molasses and mix until smooth. Gradually beat in dry ingredients.
Roll dough into balls (approx. 1 1/2 inches across), then roll in white sugar. Place balls on prepared cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Do not press down. They will flatten and crack as they bake.