Gingerbread Cutouts

The cookies after being baked...


Preparing the table and making a mess...

The cookies iced and finished...


Ingredients:
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Beat shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Beat till combined.
Beat in molasses, egg, and vinegar. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in the remaining flour.
Divide dough in half, cover, and chill for three hours, or until easy to handle.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface from 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch in thickness. Place 1 inch apart on greased sheet. Bake at 375 for 5 to 6 minutes.