GINGERBREAD COOKIE RECIPE!

I know...I know...it's too early for Christmas. Well, maybe so, but I just had to share this recipe with you. For those of us who are lactose intolerant, Christmas is a time of painfully avoiding Christmas cookies (and other treats for that matter). Well no more! These are the perfect gingerbread cookies and they're lactose free too!

RECIPE:

1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup shortening (for this you can use Crisco,  Flesichman's margarine, or any other lactose free butter substitute)
1 1/2 cups molasses
2/3 cup water
7 cups flour
2 teaspooons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt


In a large bowl, beat brown sugar, shortening, molasses and water with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350F. On floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick. With floured cookie cutter, cut out "gingerbread men" shapes and place cookies on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Use any lactose free cookie frosting recipe that you have to frost them.