Christmas Cookies

[Pete]

This is the best gingerbread I've had. It's very sturdy if you want to do construction with it. And yummy.

5 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 cup shortening
1 Tbsp. ground ginger
1 cup white sugar
1 cup molassas

frosting
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
2 egg whites
1/2 tsp vanilla

Melt shortening in saucepan large enough for mixing dough. Mix in sugar and molassas. Mix well. Stir together flour, salt baking soda, nutmeg and ginger. Gradually stir in 4 cups of flour mixture. Work in remaining flour mixture with hands.

Roll to 1/4 " thickness and cut out as desired. Place on a cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees (190 degrees C) for 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes before removing to cooling rack.

Frosting
Mix together powdered sugar and cream of tartar. Add egg whites and vanilla. Beat on high speed until frosting holds it shape. If necessary, add more powdered sugar to thicken. Cover frosting bowl with a damp cloth to prevent drying.


Cloud, your recipe is known as Gramma Pete's butterballs in my house. Also one of my favorites. You can smell the butter as soon as you're in the same room with them.