Molasses Cutouts Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• FROSTING:
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 to 4 tablespoons boiling water
• M&M baking bits or other candies

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in molasses and water. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or until easy to handle.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 5-in. gingerbread man cutter. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
• Bake at 375° for 6-8 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.
• For frosting, in a large bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, butter, ginger, salt, cinnamon and enough water to achieve spreading consistency. Frost and decorate cookies as desired. Yield: about 3 dozen.

Molasses Cutouts published in Reminisce November/December 2002, p49