Gingerbread Cookies

Here is a recipe for gingerbread cookies (approximately 42 cookies):

Cookie:

-  1/4 cup and 2 teaspoons vegetable shortening

-  1/4 cup and 2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar

-  1 3/4 cup and 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

-  1/4 teaspoon (pinch) of salt

-  1/2 teaspoon baking soda

-  1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

-  1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

-  1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

-  1/3 cup and 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses

-  2 tablespoons and 1 1/4 teaspoon water (may need more if dough is still too crumbly)

Base (glossy) frosting:

-  2 cups powdered sugar

-  3 tablespoons milk

-  1 tablespoon light corn syrup

-  1/4 teaspoon almond extract

-  food coloring

Piping (decorative) frosting:

-  2 teaspoons softened butter

-  1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

-  1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

-  3 to 4 tablespoons milk

-  food coloring

In a small bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg.  Set aside.

In a medium bowl, cream together vegetable shortening and light brown sugar.  Stir in dry ingredients, alternating with molasses and water until well blended and dough is formed.  If dough is still too crumbly, add more water gradually, until dough ball is formed.  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Once the dough has refrigerated, preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease cookie sheet(s).  Roll out dough on a lightly flour surface, until approximately 1/4 inch thick, and cut out into gingerbread men or any other shapes you desire.  Place onto cookie sheet(s) and bake for approximately 7 to 9 minutes.  Make sure not to over cook, as the gingerbread will harden once cool.

Now, it is time to do the base (glossy) frosting.  Mix or beat powdered sugar and milk together until smooth.  Add in light corn syrup and almond extract and blend until glossy.  Mix in food coloring of your choice.  Spread over cookies.  *If the frosting is not smooth enough, add milk, a little at a time for the right consistency.

Now, it is time for the piping (decorative) frosting.  Mix together butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extra.  Add in milk 1 tablespoon at a time until frosting becomes smooth and the right consistency in which you desire.  Add food coloring of your choice.  Place color(s) into piping bag and choose your tip design.  Pipe onto cookies to decorate.  Enjoy!