Spice Cookies with Pumpkin Dip

Subject: Spice Cookies with Pumpkin Dip Mon Nov 10, 2008 1:19 pm

1-1/2 cups butter, softened

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup molasses

4 cups all purpose flour

4 tsp baking soda

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp salt

Additional sugar

Pumpkin Dip

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

2 cups canned pumpkin pie mix

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1/2 to 1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 to 1/2 tsp ground ginger

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition

Add molasses, mix well

Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger cloves and salt

Add to creamed mixture and mix well

Refrigerate overnight

Shape into 1/2 inch balls, roll in sugar

Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets

Bake at 375 for 6 minutes or until edges begin to brown

Cool for 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack

For dip, beat cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth

Add pumpkin pie mix, beat well

Add sugar, cinnamon and ginger, beat until smooth

Serve with cookies

Store leftover dip in the refrigerator

Yield about 20 dozen (3 cups dip)