December
The chill in the air, the smell of smoke drifting on the night breeze, the colorful lights draped over trees and bushes, reminding us that there will be bright days again in a few months.... And molasses gingerbread cookies. Not only are they delicious and soft and perfect with a cup of coffee, but their colored sparkling sugar jackets twinkle like the lights guiding us to thoughts of warmth.
Molasses Gingerbread Cookies
4 1/2 cups flour
4 teaspoons ground ginger (or more, depending on personal preference)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups shortening (crisco or butter or mix)
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup molasses
Colored or White sugar for rolling dough balls in
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Mix flour and spices and other dry ingredients and set aside.
Beat shortening until soft and then add sugar and beat until fluffy.
Add eggs and molasses to shortening and mix together.
Add one half of flour mixture to wet ingredients and blend until combined.
Stir remaining flour mixture in with spoon.
Make 1-2 inch balls and roll in sugar.
Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 12-16 minutes.
