Halloween Jack-O-Lantern Cookies

These giant cookies have been a Halloween tradition for generations in our family. They are a wonderful  spice and molasses cookie full of Fall flavors and decorated with candy to look like a jack-o-lantern. We always called them "FACE COOKIES". I still remember many Halloweens helping my mom bake, decorate and deliver these cookies to family and friends. Now the tradition continues... Enjoy!!

Halloween Molasses Cookies
FACE COOKIES
1 Cup sugar + a bowl of sugar to roll dough in
¾  Cup shortening
¼ Cup molasses
1 egg
2 ½ Cups flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cloves
2 tsp baking soda
Cream sugar and shortening. Add molasses and egg. In a separate bowl mix dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients to sugar mixture. Blend well.

Roll dough into balls then roll in sugar. Place on greased cookie sheet and pat into a circle. (You want these big enough so that you can put a face on them when they are baked-- 4-6” around.)

Bake at 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes.

Make icing to “glue” candy face on using powdered sugar and a little milk. Consistency should be pretty thick.
Dot cookies with icing for eyes, nose and mouth.
Then decorate with Lifesavers, candy corn, jelly beans, spice drops, or raisins; or use your imagination and whatever you may have in your pantry.