Ornamental Gingerbread Cookies

I've been waiting a long time to make these gingerbread cookies since I saw the recipe posted on Linda's blog, Behind My Red Door. Love reading her blog. I've been searching for the perfect cookie cutter and found one at a really old hardware store in Iowa. They had a huge kitchen section with lots of neat kitchen gadgets. Here is the recipe courtesy of Linda. These ornaments smell so good while baking!

Ornamental Gingerbread Cookies

3 tablespoon shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup water
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon each: ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg
peppercorns for the eyes and buttons

Beat shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir in molasses. Mix dry ingredients together. Stir them into the sugar mixture and gradually add water. Dough will be very stiff. Refrigerate overnight. Heat oven to 350º. Cut dough into three pieces. Roll one piece at a time (between two sheets of waxed paper) to a thickness of about 1/4". I sprinkled a little flour on the dough while rolling out as its a little sticky. Cut out desired shapes and patterns. ***If you are planning to hang these ornaments, poke holes in the shapes now with a straw or toothpick.*** Bake for about 20 minutes. Allow to cool and harden for several hours or overnight.

Finished ornaments can be painted, sealed, or dipped in melted wax. The possibilities are endless!