Molasses Spice Cutouts

Softened 1 Envelope gelatin -- 1 1/2 c Sugar Unflavored 1 c Light molasses 3/4 c Cold water 1/2 c Coffee -- cold 3/4 c Sugar 6 c All-purpose flour 3/4 c Confectioner's sugar 2 ts Baking soda 3/4 ts Baking powder 1 ts Salt 1/2 ts Vanilla extract 1/2 ts Ground nutmeg Colored sugar or nonpareils 1/4 ts Ground cloves Decorator Icing -- optional In a mixing bowl,

cream butter and sugar;

beat in molasses and coffee.

Stir together flour, baking soda, salt and spices; add to molasses mixture and mix well.

Chill dough 1-2 hours or until easy to handle.

If needed, add little additional flour before rolling.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 1/4 inch thickness.

Cut with holiday cutters dipped in flour.

Place on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake at 350 deg.

for 12 to 15 min.

Cool on wire racks.

For icing, if desired, combine gelatin and water in a small saucepan.

Let stand for 5 min.

to soften.

Add sugar.

Heat and stir over very low heat until the gelatin and sugar dissolve.

Transfer to a mixing bowl.

Add confectioners' sugar; beat until foamy.

Add baking powder and vanilla; beat until very thick, about 10 min.

Frost cookies by inverting them and quickly swirling the top in the icing; decorate with colored sugar or nonpareils.

For traditional gingerbread men, use decorator icing to

add features as desired Yield: about 7-8 doz.

(2 1/2 in cookies)