SPICED CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Spiced Christmas Cookies image

This delicious cookie recipe has been passed down through six generations and was brought to America from Germany in 1846! It's a holiday tradition in our house and we're proud to share this wonderful recipe with you. -Tanya Juhasz, Newberry, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 7-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

2 cups molasses
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
8 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
3 teaspoons each ground cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves
2-1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups chopped walnuts
1-2/3 cups raisins
1/4 cup chopped candied lemon peel
1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
FROSTING:
4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
GARNISH:
4 cups red and/or green candied cherries, cut as desired

Steps:

In a very large bowl, beat the molasses, butter, sour cream and lemon juice until well blended. Combine the flour, brown sugar, spices, baking soda, lemon zest and salt; gradually add to butter mixture and mix well. Stir in the walnuts, raisins and candied peels. Cover and refrigerate until easy to handle, about 30 minutes., Divide dough into 4 portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/4-in. round cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° until bottoms are lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely., Combine frosting ingredients until smooth. Frost cookies; decorate with cherries. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 187 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 81mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.