Moravian Ginger Cookies

These were my mom’s favorite gingerbread cookies, and she made them every Christmas. They were always decorated as Christmas trees with green, red and yellow frosting so they’d “dress up” the cookie platter at our Twelfth Night party.

INGREDIENTS 1/3 c molasses 3 t soft shortening 2 T brown sugar 1 ¼ c flour ¼ t salt ¼ t baking soda ¼ t each cinnamon, ginger, cloves Dash of nutmeg and allspice

DIRECTIONS Cream molasses, brown sugar and shortening. Combine dry ingredients and add wet ingredients all at once. Dough is very stiff, so you’ll need to knead it with your hands. Chill dough 4 hours and roll thin—1/16”. Cut into shapes with cookie cutter. Bake at 375⁰ for 5-6 minutes. Mom cautions: “Watch—they burn quickly.”

ERIN’S NOTE: Once cooled, these cookies are sturdy and great for icing and loading on the sprinkles.