CHRISTMAS COOKIES

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4½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 cup nonfat dry milk

¾ Tsp. ground ginger

¾ Tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ Tsp. ground mase

¼ Tsp. ground allspice

¼ Tsp. ground nutmeg

¼ Tsp. ground cloves

1 cup molasses

½ cup canola oil

colored sugar crystals for sprinling

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Combine the flour, milk, & spices.

In a large saucepan, heat the molasses & canola oil until warm. Remove from the heat & gradually blend into the dry ingredients. The dough will be stiff. Wrap the dough in waxed paper & chill for 4 hrs.

Preheat the oven 375*. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of ¼-inch. Using cookie cutters, cut into shapes & place 1½-inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle colored sugar crystals over the cookies.

Bake for 6-8 min., until lightly colored. Transfer to wire racks to cool.