Christmas Ornament Cookies

Cut-out cookies flavored with molasses and scented with the warm spices of the winter holiday season.

Recipe Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/3 cup molasses
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cooking Directions:

1. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer at medium speed, cream together butter, brown sugar, and sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses; mix well.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   In a bowl combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg; mix well and add to creamed mixture. Refrigerate until dough hardens, about 1 hour.
3. Using part of the dough at a time, roll out 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
4. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes; remove from oven. Cool on a wire rack and decorate as desired.

Makes 3 dozen cookies.