Ginderbread Friends

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 tsp ginger

1 cup vegetable shortening

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 cup light molasses

1 tsp. allspice

2 egg yolks

3/4 tsp. salt

2 tsp. soda

8 cups flour

1 cup hot water

Creamy decorator icing

candy/sprinkles for decorating

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Combine sugar, shortening, molasses, and egg yolks in large mixing bowl.

Beat until smooth.

In a small bowl, and soda to hot water.

Stir until dissolved.

Add to molasses mixture.

Stir in flour, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.

Cover and refrigerate dough 2 hours.

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Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.

Cut out with floured cookie cutters. {just dip them in the four bowl}

Place on lightly greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

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Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned around edges.

Pull off and cool on wire racks.

Frost with icing and decorate as desired.

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Makes 42 large cookies.