In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour, the 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and the baking soda. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the shortening, the 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and the brown sugar until combined. Stir in egg and vanilla until combined. Stir in the spiced flour mixture.
Shape dough into thirty-six 1-inch balls. Roll each ball into a mixture of the 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and the 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball by crisscrossing with the tines of a fork.
Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are golden. Remove and cool cookies on a wire rack. Makes 36 cookies.