Orange Spice Trees

Directions

1. 1
   Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and pepper in bowl; mix well.
2. 2
   Combine sugar and 3/4 cup butter in another bowl.
3. 3
   Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.
4. 4
   Add egg yolk, molasses and orange juice; continue beating until well mixed.
5. 5
   Add flour mixture; beat at low speed until well mixed.
6. 6
   Divide dough in half; wrap each in plastic food wrap.
7. 7
   Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
8. 8
   Heat oven to 350F.
9. 9
   Roll out dough, one-half at a time (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
10. 10
    Cut with 1 3/4- and 3 1/2-inch tree-shaped cookie cutters.
11. 11
    Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
12. 12
    Bake 9-11 minutes or until set.
13. 13
    Cool completely.
14. 14
    Combine powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons butter and orange zest in bowl.
15. 15
    Beat at low speed, gradually adding enough orange juice for desired frosting consistency.
16. 16
    Place frosting in small resealable plastic food bag.
17. 17
    Snip 1/8-inch off 1 corner.
18. 18
    Pipe frosting onto 1 large tree in zig-zag design.
19. 19
    Immediately place 1 small tree on top of frosting.
20. 20
    Repeat with remaining cookies.