Coffee Spice Cookies

Beautiful weather here in Minnesota, the little bit of snow we have gotten in the past few weeks is all but gone (which I am not complaining about!).  Yesterday I had some windows open, letting in the fresh air, it was nice, despite the fact it sets my allergies into motion - I am not willing to live with the windows always shut, allergies be damned.  Gearing up for March madness so may as well have some cookies on hand to munch on.

Coffee Spice Cookies
2 tsp. instant coffee crystals
1 tsp. hot water
1/2 c. crisco shortening
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Chocolate decorator bits

Preheat oven to 375.  Dissolve the instant coffe in the hot water.  Beat shortening, brown sugar, egg, vanilla and coffee mixture in large bowl until light and fluffy.  Mix in dry ingredients.  Divide dough into two equal parts.  Shepe each half into a roll about 7" long and 1 1/2" in diameter.  Roll in chocolate bits.  Pressing lightly.  Wrap and refrigerate about 2 hours.  Cut rolls into 1/4" slices.  Place the slices on your baking sheets and bake 6-8 minutes or until set.