Crisp Gingerbread Cutouts Recipe

          Ingredients                                                                

    1/2 cup shortening
    1/2 cup sugar
    1/2 cup molasses
    1 egg
    2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
    1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    1 teaspoon ground ginger
    1 teaspoon ground cloves
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min./batch
MAKES: 54 servings

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. Combine the dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture and mix well (dough will be soft). Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2-1/2-in. cookie cutters and place on greased baking sheets.
3. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield: 4-1/2 dozen.