Frosted Ginger Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup molasses
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• FROSTING:
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine shortening and molasses. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg and cloves; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with 3-in. cookie cutters dipped in flour. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool.
• For frosting, in a small saucepan, combine water and gelatin; let stand for 5 minutes to soften. Stir in sugar; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; stir in confectioners' sugar.
• Transfer to a small bowl; beat until foamy. Add baking powder and vanilla; beat on high speed for 5-8 minutes or until thickened. Decorate cookies with frosting. Yield: about 4-1/2 dozen.

Frosted Ginger Cookies published in Best of Country Cookies , p48