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."

　　

Ingredients

Makes 3 dozen medium-sized cookies

　　1 cup shortening

　　1 cup sugar

　　1/2 cup molasses

　　1/2 cup honey

　　2 egg yolks

　　4 cups all-purpose flour

　　1 teaspoon baking soda

　　2 teaspoons baking powder

　　1 teaspoon salt

　　1 tablespoon cinnamon

　　2 teaspoons ground cloves

　　2 teaspoons ground ginger

　　1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

　　

For the icing:

1 cup confectioners' sugar

　　1 tablespoon melted butter

　　1 tablespoon milk

　　1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

　　Liquid food colorings and colored sugars

　　

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.

　　

Nutrition Per Serving

Per cookie: 166 calories

　　26g carbohydrates

　　2g protein

　　7g fat

　　13mg cholesterol.

　　#### Nutritional analysis provided by New Wellness

　　Richmond

　　Va.