Chocolate Sugar Cookies by Andrea W.

½ C. margarine, softened

½ C. shortening

1 ½ C. sugar

1 large egg

1 ½ t. vanilla

1 ½ C. flour

½ C. cocoa powder

1 t. Calumet baking powder

½ t. salt

Preheat oven to 375.  Cream together margarine, shortening, and sugar on medium high speed until pale and fluffy, scraping bowl as needed.  Mix in egg and vanilla until creamy.  In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.  Gradually add dry ingredients to the other ingredients, mixing until just combined, scraping bowl as needed.  Using a 2 inch cookie scoop, make balls of dough.  If desired, dip the top of each ball in sugar or holiday sprinkles.  Place on cookie sheet.  Bake for 8 minutes.  Let cool slightly on cookie sheet after removing from oven to let them firm up.  Then place on a wire rack to finish cooling.  Makes 2 ½ dozen.         

Molasses Ginger Christmas Crinkles by Andrea W.

3/4 C soft butter

1 C brown sugar

1 egg

1/4 C molasses

2 1/4 C Flour

2 tsp soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

½ tsp cloves

1/4 tsp salt

Mix first 4 ingredients - add dry ingredients.  Chill dough.  Roll into balls and dip in sugar.  Place on greased cookie sheet.  Bake 375 degrees for 8-10 min.