Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Gingerbread cookies require a bit of work, but make a great near-Christmas activity for kids, look wonderfully old-fashioned on a tree, and also make beautiful gifts for family and friends. Not to mention that they're mmm-mmm good!

*GINGERBREAD COOKIES*

1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. dark molasses
1/4 c. water
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 to 1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
2 1/2 c. all purpose flour

Beat sugar, shortening, molasses and water in a large bowl on low speed until blended. Beat on medium speed 1 minute. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, 1 to 2 hours.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Turn dough onto a floured surface. Roll out with a rolling pin until 1/4 inch thick. Cut with gingerbread man cutter. (Other cookie cutters work well, also.)

Lift cookies carefully with a large spatula onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Decorate cookies with raisins, if desired. Bake until set, approx. 8 to 10 minutes. Let cookies cool 3 minutes, then carefully remove from cookie sheet with a spatula.

Cool and decorate with frosting if you like. Makes about 1 dozen cookies, depending on size of cookie cutter. Yum!