Moravian Ginger Cookies II

Ingredients

• 0.3 teaspoon double-acting baking powder 
• 0.3 teaspoon baking soda 
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar 
• 1.3 cups flour all-purpose
• 1 dash ground allspice 
• 0.3 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 0.3 teaspoon ground cloves 
• 0.3 teaspoon ground ginger 
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg 
• 1.5 tablespoons half-and-half cream 
• 0.3 cup blackstrap molasses 
• 0.3 teaspoon salt 
• 0.3 cup shortening 
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Equipment

• bowl
• baking sheet
• oven

Directions

1. Mix molasses, shortening and brown sugar in a large bowl. Stir in flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and spices. Cover and refrigerate about 4 hours or until firm.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
3. Roll half of the dough at a time to 1/8 inch thickness or paper-thin on a floured cloth-covered surface.
4. Cut into 3 inch rounds with floured cutter.
5. Place about 1/2 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
6. Bake 1/8 inch thick cookies about 8 minutes; paper-thin cookies about 5 minutes or until light brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely.
7. Mix 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1-2 tablespoons half-and-half until of spreading consistency.
8. Spread frosting on cooled cookies.