Mix thoroughly sugar, shortening, egg replacer, and molasses.

Sift flour, soda, spices, and salt.

Mix all together. Add water if necessary.  

Refrigerate dough for a half hour, until firm.

Sprinkle flour on a clean surface and roll dough with a rolling pin (dusted with flour) and cut out designs (place unused dough in refrigerator while working with the other dough). Alternately, form into balls the size of walnuts.

Place on parchment lined cookie sheet and bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes.

Allow to cool on a cooling rack until completely cool.

Cream butter in mixer.

Add powdered sugar and begin to mix, scraping down the sides.

Add vanilla and mix.

Add milk 1 T at a time until frosting is desired consistency (this is a stiffer butter cream like frosting, not a glaze). Add food coloring if desired.

Spread onto cookies and sprinkle. Enjoy!