Molasses Cutouts Recipe

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup shortening
• 1-1/4 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Confectioners' sugar icing and miniature chocolate chips and M&M's, optional
• TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min.

  MAKES: 24 servings

   
   
  Directions
  
• In a bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in buttermilk and molasses. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Chill for several hours.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with 5-in. cookie cutters dipped in flour. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until edges just begin to brown.
• Remove to wire racks to cool. Decorate as desired. Yield: about 2 dozen.