Iced Molasses Cookies

These hearty cookies are actually better for you because they contain very little sugar and get their rich flavor from molasses and natural spices.
Great with morning coffee, too.

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• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup Grandma's Molasses
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/3 cup water

In a large mixing bowl, cream sugar and shortening. Beat in egg and molasses. Combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon and cloves; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with water (dough will be soft). Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees for 7-8 minutes or until tops are cracked.

Frosting:
• 1-1/2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 Tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup plus 3 Tablespoons confectioner's sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Beat cream cheese, butter and confectioner's sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and enough lemon juice to achieve spreading consistency. Frost cookies. Store in refrigerator. Makes 4 dozen.