Iced Molasses Cookies

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Title: Iced Molasses Cookies
Categories: Cookies
Yield: 84 servings

1 c Molasses
1 c White sugar
1 c Shortening
1 c Hot water
3 ts Baking soda
1 ts Ground ginger
2 ts Cinnamon
6 c (approx.) flour; sifted
Frosting-
2 Egg whites
3 c Confectioners sugar
1/2 ts Vanilla
Food coloring (optional)

In a large bowl, mix molasses, sugar, shortening and hot water. Stir to
combine thoroughly, although shortening doesn't need to melt completely.
In a separate bowl, mix baking soda, ginger and cinnamon with 4 cups of
flour. Mix into liquids, stirring to blend well. Gradually add enough of
the additional flour to make a dough stiff enough to roll. Chill 1-2 hours
before baking.
Preheat oven to 350. Grease cookie sheets. Roll out dough to about
1/6-inch thick and cut shapes with your favorite cookie cutter. Bake 8-11
minutes until done. Cool completely and frost with decorative frosting.
Cookies can also be dusted with decorative sugar or sprinkles prior to
baking.
To make frosting, beat egg whites until frothy, then beat in sugar and
vanilla. If you like, separate the icing into several bowls and add a drop
or two of food coloring. To yellow, add 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract. Yield:
7-10 dozen, depending on size of cookie cutters. Martina Boudreau, St.
Louis, MO

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