Frosted Ginger Rounds..originally Called Sally Ann Cookies

This is an old family favorite..I can still remember grandma cutting them out with an old treat can..

• Ready In: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 36

Ingredients

• COOKIES

• 1  cup shortening (I use Crisco)
• 1  cup molasses
• 3  cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves

• FROSTING

• 3⁄4 cup water
• 1  ounce unflavored gelatin
• 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• 3⁄4 cup powdered sugar
• 3⁄4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1  teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. In large bowl, combine shortening and molasses, blend well. Add all remaining cookie ingredients; mix well.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours for easier handling.
3. Heat oven to 350*.On well-floured surface, roll dough to 3/4" thickness. cut with floured 2 1/2" round cookie cutter.
4. Place 1" apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350* for 6-9 minutes or until set. Cool 1 minute on sheet and remove to wire rack to cool completely.at least 10 minutes.
5. In a 2 quart pan, combine water and gelatin. let stand at least 5 minutes. Stir in sugar, bring to a full rolling boil.
6. Reduce heat to medium; simmer 10 minutes, without stirring. Temperature should read 220* on candy thermometer.
7. Remove from heat. Add powdered sugar, beat with electric mixer at low speed until foamy. Add baking powder and vanilla; beat on low speed for 5 minutes or until glossy and of spreading consistency.
8. Spread frosting on underside of each cookie to within 1/2" of edge. If desired, decorate each cookie.
9. Let stand until frosting is set before storing.
10. These sure bring back memories.
11. IMPORTANT.GELATIN MUST BE SOAKED 5 MINUTES IN A COOL LIQUID BEFORE IT IS HEATED. WHILE IT SOAKS, THE GELATIN SOFTENS AND SWELLS, MAKING IT WASY TO DISSOLVE COMPLETELY WHEN IT'S HEATED.