Merry Christmas Cookies

It’s time to get out the rolling pin and cookie cutters!  These cookies say “Merry Christmas” in a sweet way because they are so pretty when decorated and delicious also.   Decorated cookies are believed to have originated in the 14^th century in Switzerland and have also been traced back to Medieval Germany.

This was one of my mother-in-law's yummy Christmas cookies.  They are a soft, light colored, cushiony cookie, rolled out and cut with your favorite cookie cutter shapes:  trees, stars, Santas, bells and fancy wreaths.  They have a unique flavor with the addition of honey, cinnamon and ginger in the dough. 

For easier handling, the dough should be well chilled before rolling out and work with small amounts at a time, keeping the remaining dough chilled until ready to use.  Dust with a little flour and cut.

You and your family will love these cookies!

Merry Christmas Cookies

Ingredients:

1/3 cup shortening

1/3 cup sugar

1 egg

2/3 cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 ¾ cups flour, sifted

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon ginger

Method:

Cream shortening and sugar.  Add egg, beat well. 

Add honey and vanilla, mix thoroughly.

Sift together flour, soda, salt cinnamon and ginger.

Stir dry ingredients into the sugar and egg mixture.

Cover and chill dough until firm, at least 1 hour.

On floured surface, roll out dough ¼” thick.

Cut into desired shapes.

Place 1” apart on lightly greased baking sheet.

Bake 375 degree oven for 8-10 minutes.

Bake until, when touched lightly with finger, no imprint remains.

When cool, ice and decorate as desired.

Makes 5 dozen

Yum!