Frosted Ginger Cut-Outs

By MarieR

Ingredients

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

Details

Servings 1

Preparation

Step 1

In large bowl, combine shortening and molasses; blend well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup, level off. Add flour and remaining ingredients to molasses mixture; mix well. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 2 hours for easier handling.
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. On well floured surface, roll dough to 1/4- inch thickness; cut with floured rectangle-shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool completely.
Frosting:
In 2-quart saucepan, combine water and gelatin; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in sugar; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in powdered sugar; beat until foamy. Stir in baking powder and vanilla ; beat at highest speed until thick. Turn cookies over and spread frosting over underside to within 1/8 inch of edge. Decorate if desired. Let stand until frosting is dry.

Note: May divide frosting and add a drop of food coloring for different color frostings.
Yield 3 dozen cookies.