Ginger Spice Cookies

For the Cookies:

3/4 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/3 cups flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

For the Glaze:

2 egg whites
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 1/8 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Make the Cookies:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Add molasses and mix well.

2. In a large mixing bowl sift together dry ingredients. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture. Mix until completely incorporated.

3. Spoon cookie dough into cookie press fitted with dog-shaped disc. Press dough onto baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Remove and transfer cookies to a rack to cool.

Make the Glaze:

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat egg whites briefly until foamy. Add remaining ingredients and beat 2 to 3 minutes. Glaze should be the consistency of skim milk. Add a bit more sugar if glaze is too thin. Using a pastry brush or a small natural-bristle artist's brush, paint glaze from center outward, leaving about 1/4-inch border of cookie showing at edge.