Soft Molasses Cutout Cookies
Why I Love This Recipe
I received this recipe years ago, when I worked at a Bed & Breakfast. I'd always put out homemade cookies for mealtimes, and these were the first to disappear.
Ingredients You'll Need
1 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup dark molasses
5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
Frosting or confectioners' sugar, optional
Directions
In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with water, beating well after each addition. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or until easy to handle.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with 2-1/2-in. cookie cutters dipped in flour. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. Frost or dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.
