Ingredients
1
cup shortening
1
cup molasses
3
cups all purpose or unbleached flour
2
teaspoons baking soda
1/2
teaspoon salt
1/2
teaspoon ginger
1/4
teaspoon nutmeg
1/4
teaspoon cloves
Milk
Powdered sugar
Lacy paper doily or stencil design
Decorative ribbon, if desired
Preparation
In large bowl, combine shortening and molasses; blend well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg and cloves; mix well. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 2 hours for easier handling.
Heat oven to 350°F. On well-floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with floured 2 1/2 to 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake at 350°F. for 8 to 10 minutes or until set. (To make ornaments or garlands, see tip below.) Remove from cookie sheets. Cool 15 minutes or until completely cooled.
Brush cooled cookies lightly with milk. Place lacy paper doily over 1 cookie; press down. With small strainer, sprinkle powdered sugar evenly over doily. Carefully remove doily. Repeat with remaining cookies. Let stand until dry.
