Recipe: Spice Wafers (cut-out cookies, Crystal Sugar recipe, 1970's)

SPICE WAFERS

1 cup white granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, cut in small pieces
1/2 cup molasses
1/3 cup water
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Combine sugar, butter, molasses and 1/3 cup water in a 3-quart saucepan. Heat to lukewarm (about 110 degrees F), stirring constantly. Remove from heat and continue stirring until butter melts. Cool.

Sift together remaining ingredients. Add gradually to the cooled sugar mixture, blending well. Beat thoroughly. Cover; chill at least overnight or allow to age up to one week.

WHEN READY TO BAKE:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease baking sheets.

Place chilled dough, about 1/4 at a time, on a well-floured surface. Knead 10 strokes. Coat dough with flour, then roll out with floured rolling pin to 1/16-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters or pastry wheel. Place on prepared baking sheets.

Bake in moderate oven (375 degree F) for 5-8 minutes.

Makes 10 to 12 dozen cookies
From: Mary and Carmen's Recipe Collection at Recipelink.com
Source: Vintage recipe clipping, Crystal Sugar bag recipe, 1970's ?