Brown Sugar, Molasses, Nut Cookies (Christmas)

Excellent for Christmas gifts.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 35
• Yields: 200-400 cookies

Ingredients

• 2  cups dark brown sugar, packed
• 2  cups molasses
• 2  cups shortening or 2  cups  lard, melted
• 4  eggs
• 1⁄4 cup  ground aniseed
• 2 3⁄4 teaspoons baking soda, dissolved in
• 1⁄2 cup boiling water
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 4  teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons cloves
• 2  teaspoons allspice
• 8  cups flour
• 2  cups  nuts, chopped
•  powdered sugar, to ice
•  decorative candies (optional)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar, shortening, molasses, and eggs until smooth.
2. Mix in all remaining ingredients, beating well.
3. Cover and refrigerate until firm enough to handle (2 1/2 hours to overnight).
4. Preheat oven to 375°F.
5. Roll out dough (small amounts at a time) on well-floured surface until 1/8-inch thick.
6. Cut with cookie cutters.
7. Bake until golden brown (10-15 minutes).
8. Dust with powdered sugar.
9. Decorate with colored candies.