Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- First, in a large bowl, cream together the shortening, granulated sugar, molasses, and honey using an electric mixer.
- Next, add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices: cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one to two hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about a quarter inch.
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters of your choice.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for eight to ten minutes.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes until they become firm enough to handle.
- Meanwhile, in a different bowl, prepare the icing by beating together the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
- If you wish to add color to your icing, divide it among smaller bowls and tint with various liquid food colorings.
- Finally, decorate your cooled cookies with the prepared icing and top them with colored sugars.
Notes
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can freeze the cookie dough before baking.