Gingerbread Cookies

GINGERBREAD COOKIES AND FROSTING

INGREDIENTS

Cookies

3 cups/725 mL sifted all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp/2.5 mL baking soda

1/4 tsp/1.2 mL baking powder

1/2 cup/125 mL (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup/125 mL dark brown sugar, packed

2 tbsp/30 mL Ground Ginger

3 tbsp + 1 tsp/55 ML Ground Cinnamon

1 tsp/5 mL Ground Nutmeg

1-1/2 tsp/7.5 mL Ground Cloves

1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Ground Black Pepper

3/4 tsp/4 mL salt

1 large egg

1/2 cup/125 mL unsulfured molasses

Frosting

4 cups/1 liter powdered sugar

1/2 cup/125 mL butter or margarine, softened

3 to 4 tbsp/45 to 60 mL milk

1 to 2 tsp/ 5 to 10 mL Baking Vanilla® Extract

Directions Cookies: In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and baking powder; set aside. With an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in spices and salt, then egg and molasses. Add flour mixture; combine on low speed. Wrap dough in plastic; chill for at least 1 hour. Heat oven to 350ºF/180ºC. On a floured work surface, roll dough 1/8 inch/3 mm thick. Cut into desired shapes. Transfer to ungreased baking sheets. Bake until crisp but not darkened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Let cookies cool on wire rack, then decorate as desired. Makes about 3 dozen.

Directions for Frosting: Combine all ingredients; beat until smooth.

Decorate with icing, Watkins Artificial Dye-Free Decorating Sugars and Sprinkles