Gingerbread cookies-

1 1/2 c shortening           2 c sugar             2 large eggs             2 t vanilla           1/2 c molasses

4 c flour         4 t baking soda             2 t ground cinnamon          2 t ground nutmeg

2 t ground cloves             2 t ground ginger             2 t salt

Cream together shortening and sugar.  Add eggs, vanilla, and molasses.  Mix well.  Add remaining ingredients.  Roll into one inch dough balls and dip in sugar.  Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper (or waxed paper).  Freeze all balls of dough.  Place in batches of 12 in ziploc bag.  Label with baking instructions.

To serve, preheat oven to 375F.  Place 12 dough balls on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool slightly before removing from pan.

These are so easy I can get home just a half an hour before the kids and still have warm cookies on for them.  Hope you enjoy!