Nan Buchanan, Kemah, Tex.
"This cookie is versatile, so I adapt the shapes and decorations to the season — jack-o'-lanterns at Halloween and eggs at Easter."
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 3 dozen medium-sized cookies
Ingredients
For the icing:
Preparation
Step 1
1.Cream together the shortening, sugar, molasses, and honey in a bowl with an electric mixer. Add the egg yolks and mix well.
Step 2
2.Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices; stir into the shortening mixture. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill well.
Step 3
3.Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes with Christmas tree and/or other holiday cookie cutters; transfer to lightly greased baking sheets.
Step 4
4.Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. (Do not overbake.) Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets until they are firm, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Step 5
5.Beat confectioners' sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth, adding more sugar or milk as needed. If desired, divide icing among smaller bowls and tint with different food colorings. Decorate cookies with colored icings and sugars.
