2 c. sugar
2 c. shortening
2 eggs
2 c. molasses
1 1/2 c. cold water
4 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. ginger
10 c. flour (or more to mix)

Cream sugar, shortening, and eggs together. Combine molasses and cold water. Sift dry ingredients together, then add alternately with molasses and water. Chill dough.

Roll out, cut with cutter. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE!

To make tree decorations: omit baking soda, roll and cut punching a hole at top of cookie (to put ribbon threw for hanging). Bake and let dry. (Attach ribbon). Store in cool, dry, airtight container from year to year.