Old-Fashioned Molasses Cookies

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups granulated sugar 
• 1 cup shortening 
• 0.5 cup blackstrap molasses 
• 2  eggs 
• 3 teaspoons baking soda 
• 0.5 cup water 
• 5.5 cups flour all-purpose
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon 
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 envelope gelatin powder unflavored
• 1 cup water cold
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 2.3 cups powdered sugar 
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla 
• 1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder 
• 0.1 teaspoon salt 

Equipment

• bowl
• baking sheet
• sauce pan
• oven
• wire rack
• hand mixer

Directions

1. In large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, the shortening, molasses and eggs until well blended. In small bowl, dissolve baking soda in water; stir into molasses mixture. Stir in remaining cookie ingredients until well blended. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
2. Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease cookie sheet. On floured surface, roll dough 1/4 inch thick.
3. Cut with floured 2 3/4-inch round cutter (or cut with clean food can with both ends removed, such as rectangular-shaped pork luncheon meat can).
4. Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.
5. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown.
6. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
7. In 2-quart saucepan, sprinkle gelatin on cold water to soften; stir in 1 cup granulated sugar.
8. Heat to a rolling boil; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes. In large bowl, place powdered sugar and hot gelatin mixture. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed about 2 minutes or until foamy.
9. Add vanilla, baking powder and salt; beat on high speed 12 to 15 minutes or until soft peaks form. Frost bottoms of cookies with frosting.
10. Let stand until frosting is dry, 2 to 3 hours, before storing.