Gingerbread Cookies

These gingerbread cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing. Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes!

Serves: 24 cookies

Prep Time: 10 min, plus 1 hour cooling

Cooking Time: 8-10 min

Total:  20 min, plus 1 hour cooling

Ingredients

2/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 ground cloves
pinch of salt
3/4 cup molasses
1 egg
3 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together shortening, sugar and spices.
2. Add egg and mix.
3. Add molasses and mix.
4. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and baking soda.
5. Add dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until fully combined.
6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
7. Preheat oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Cut dough into quarters and roll to 1/8" thickness, or slightly thicker on a lightly floured surface.
9. Cut dough with cookie cutters or a knife and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
10. Baker for 8-10 minutes and cool on a wire rack.
11. Serve plain or decorated with icing.