Gramma's Spice Cookies

These are kind of like molasses cookies or gingerbread, but better. Gramma makes these each Christmas in cute little star shapes, with a delicate icing on top. I make them with less sugar and butter instead of the shortening, see my new recipe.

Method:

Cream 1/2 C shortening in standing mixer. Add 1 C sugar gradually and mix.

Add 1 egg and 1/4 C molasses and beat until smooth.

In separate bowl, sift together:
2 C flour
2 tea baking powder
3/4 tea salt
1 tea cinnamon
1/2 tea cloves
1/2 tea nutmeg

Stir dry ingredients into wet mixture. Chill dough in refrigerator.

Roll out cookie dough and cut with cookie cuters.

Bake at 375 F for about 10 minutes.

While cookies are baking, make an icing of powdered sugar, water, and food coloring. Ice cooled cookies.