Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup vegetable shortening
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 2 1/4 tablespoons hot water
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and salt. Set aside.

2. In large bowl, cream shortening and sugar with fork. Stir in molasses, hot water and vanilla with large spoon. Stir in flour mixture until smooth, 1 minute.

3. Cover dough. Chill 2 to 4 hours.

4. On lightly floured surface, roll out dough. Cut out shapes. Bake on cookie sheet in 400F oven 8 to 10 minutes, depending on size. Cool on sheet. Decorate as you like.