Nativity Molasses Cookies

Name: Nativity Molasses Cookies
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 5 dozen.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup shortening; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 egg yolk; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup molasses; 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; ICING:; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 egg white; 1/3 cup water; 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

You'll have seasonal spirit well in hand when you cut out these chewy cookies in lamb, camel, star, angel and other Nativity-themed shapes. A simple, homemade white icing is the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup molasses
3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
ICING:
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg white
1/3 cup water
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk, water and molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon and cloves; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2-1/2-in. Nativity-themed cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
In a heavy saucepan over low heat, combine the icing ingredients. With a portable mixer, beat on low speed for 1 minute. Continue beating over low heat until frosting reaches 160°, about 8-10 minutes. Pour into a small bowl. Beat on high speed until icing forms stiff peaks, about 7 minutes. Spread over cookies; let dry completely.