3/4 cup sugar

1 large egg

1/2 cup molasses

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

 

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well.  Add egg and molasses, beating well.  Combine flour and next 5 ingredients.  Gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended.

 

Divide dough in half; wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate 1 hour.

 

Roll each portion to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.  Cut into desired sizes with star-shaped cutters; place on lightly greased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 deg. for 5 to 7 minutes.  Remove to wire racks to cool.  Garnish, if desired.

 

Yield:  about 5 dozen cookies.