Iced Molasses Cookies

Ingredients for the dough:
1 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 cup dark molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 T ground ginger
1 T ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 T ground allspice
1 cup buttermilk

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Ingredients for the icing:
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, molasses and vanilla. Combine the flour ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and allspice; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F for 7 to 9 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

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Preparing the icing:
Cream shortening and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar and ginger. Add milk; beat until light and fluffy. Spread over cookies. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Store in an air tight container.

Makes about 7 dozen cookies