In a 5 qt. pan, heat shortening, sugar and molasses on low, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; add cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough can be formed into a ball. Using remaining flour, lightly flour a wooden board. Turn dough onto the board; knead until even in color and smooth (not crumbly or dry), adding more flour if needed. Form into a log. Cut into 5 equal pieces; wrap in plastic wrap.
Cut patterns out of paper or cardboard. Line a baking sheet with foil andlightly grease the foil. Lay a damp towel on counter; place prepared pan on towel (to prevent slipping). Unwrap one portion of dough. Using a very lightly floured rolling pin, roll out dough directly on baking sheet to a 15x10-1/2 rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Position patterns at least 1/2 inch apart on dough as shown. Cut around patters with a sharp knife or pizza cutter; remove patterns. Remove dough scraps; cover and save to re-roll if needed. Bake at 375°F for 10-14 minutes or until cookie springs back when lightly touched. Remove from oven; immediately replace patterns on dough. Cut around the edges to trim off excess cookie. Cool 3-4 minutes or until cookies begin to firm up. Carefully remove to a wire rack; cool. Repeat with remaining dough and patterns.
Instructions
In a 5 qt. pan, heat shortening, sugar and molasses on low, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; add cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough can be formed into a ball. Using remaining flour, lightly flour a wooden board. Turn dough onto the board; knead until even in color and smooth (not crumbly or dry), adding more flour if needed. Form into a log. Cut into 5 equal pieces; wrap in plastic wrap.
Cut patterns out of paper or cardboard. Line a baking sheet with foil andlightly grease the foil. Lay a damp towel on counter; place prepared pan on towel (to prevent slipping). Unwrap one portion of dough. Using a very lightly floured rolling pin, roll out dough directly on baking sheet to a 15x10-1/2 rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Position patterns at least 1/2 inch apart on dough as shown. Cut around patters with a sharp knife or pizza cutter; remove patterns. Remove dough scraps; cover and save to re-roll if needed. Bake at 375°F for 10-14 minutes or until cookie springs back when lightly touched. Remove from oven; immediately replace patterns on dough. Cut around the edges to trim off excess cookie. Cool 3-4 minutes or until cookies begin to firm up. Carefully remove to a wire rack; cool. Repeat with remaining dough and patterns.
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