1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. dark molasses
1/4 c. water
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
2 1/2 c. flour
Raisins

Beat sugar, shortening, molasses and water in a large bowl on low speed until blended. Beat on medium speed 1 minute. Stir in remaining ingredients except raisins.

Cover and refrigerate until chilled, 1 to 2 hours. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Sprinkle surface lightly with flour, turn dough onto surface. Roll dough to 1/4", cut with 5" to 8" kid cutter. Lift cookies with spatula onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Decorate cookies with raisins. Bake until set 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 3 minutes, then carefully remove. Cool, decorate with frosting.