Orange Spice Trees

STEP 1

Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and pepper in bowl; mix well.

STEP 2

Combine sugar and 3/4 cup butter in another bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add egg yolk, molasses and orange juice; continue beating until well mixed. Add flour mixture; beat at low speed until well mixed.

STEP 3

Divide dough in half; wrap each in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.

STEP 4

Heat oven to 350°F.

STEP 5

Roll out dough, one-half at a time (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with 1 3/4- and 3 1/2-inch tree-shaped cookie cutters. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 9-11 minutes or until set. Cool completely.

STEP 6

Combine powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons butter and orange zest in bowl. Beat at low speed, gradually adding enough orange juice for desired frosting consistency.

STEP 7

Place frosting in small resealable plastic food bag. Snip 1/8-inch off 1 corner. Pipe frosting onto 1 large tree in zig-zag design. Immediately place 1 small tree on top of frosting. Repeat with remaining cookies.