1/2 c. shortening
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. molasses
1 egg
2 1/2 c. sifted all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon

Cream 1/2 cup shortening, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 cup molasses together. Add the egg. Stir in flour mixture. Chill dough. Roll out 1/4 inch thick and cut with cookie cutters. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool and frost with recipe below:

Cream 2 tbsp. butter and 1 tsp. vanilla until soft. Thoroughly beat in 1 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar and 1 tbsp. warm cream. Blend well. Divide into portions and use food coloring for various colors. Fun to do with kids.