Christmas gingerbread gift tag cookies

ingredients:

for the gingerbread cookies:

½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

½ cup vegetable shortening

1 cup granulated sugar

1-1/4 cup dark molasses

2 eggs

6 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1-1/2 tsp ground ginger

3 tsp cinnamon

1-1/2 tsp ground cloves

2 tsp ground nutmeg

for the royal icing:

4 cups powdered sugar

5 tablespoons meringue powder

1/2 cup water

Few drops vanilla extract

For directions please visit http://www.ericasweettooth.com/2012/12/gingerbread-gift-tag-cookies.html