Ingredients
2 cups molasses1 cup butter, melted1 cup sour cream1 tablespoon lemon juice8 cups all-purpose flour1 cup packed brown sugar3 teaspoons each ground cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves2-1/4 teaspoons baking soda1 teaspoon grated lemon zest3/4 teaspoon salt3 cups chopped walnuts1-2/3 cups raisins1/4 cup chopped candied lemon peel1/4 cup chopped candied orange peelFROSTING:4-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar1 cup heavy whipping cream2 tablespoons lemon juiceGARNISH:4 cups red and/or green candied cherries, cut as desired
Preparation
In a very large bowl, beat the molasses, butter, sour cream and lemon juice until well blended. Combine the flour, brown sugar, spices, baking soda, lemon zest and salt; gradually add to butter mixture and mix well. Stir in the walnuts, raisins and candied peels. Cover and refrigerate until easy to handle, about 30 minutes.
Divide dough into 4 portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/4-in. round cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° until bottoms are lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Combine frosting ingredients until smooth. Frost cookies; decorate with cherries. Store in an airtight container.
