Amount
Ingredient
Preparation



1/2
cup
shortening





1/3
cup
brown sugar, light

packed



1/4
cup
blackstrap molasses

dark



1
each
egg whites





1/2
teaspoon
vanilla extract





1 1/2
cup
flour

all-purpose



1/2
teaspoon
baking soda





1/4
teaspoon
baking powder





1/2
teaspoon
salt





1
teaspoon
cinnamon

ground



1/2
teaspoon
ginger

ground

 Beat shortening, brown sugar, molasses, egg white and vanilla in large bowl at high speed of electric mixer until smooth. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices in small bowl. Add to shortening mixture; mix well. Cover; refrigerate until firm, about 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 35 F. Grease cookie sheets. Rool out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place on prepared cookie sheets.

Bake 6-8 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Decorate as desired.

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies