Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies - DSM

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 4 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 egg
• White decorating icing (optional)