Gingerbread People

Dark spicy gingerbread perfect for cutting into shapes

15 minutes to prepare, 45 minutes to cook

Makes roughly 15 big cookies, or 45 3-in. cookies

"A Baker's Guide to Christmas Cookies" by Dede Wilson

Contributor!Wilson, Dede Desserts!Gingerbread People Christmas Cookies!Gingerbread People Cookies!Gingerbread People Molasses!Gingerbread People Cinnamon!Gingerbread People Nutmeg!Gingerbread People Ginger!Gingerbread People Cloves!Gingerbread People

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted Butter
• 3/4 cup Dark or Light Brown Sugar firmly packed
• 1/2 cup Molasses
• 1 large Egg well beaten
• 2 teaspoon Ginger ground
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon ground
• 1/4 teaspoon Cloves ground
• 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg ground
• 3 1/4 cups Flour all purpose
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Directions

Using a mixer, beat butter until creamy. Add brown sugar and spices and beat for another couple of minutes. Beat in molasses and egg.

Add a third of the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix well. Gradually add the rest of the flour, mixing until just blended. Place dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Use lots of flour when rolling the dough out.

Roll the dough out to 1/4 in (6 mm) thickness on a floured surface. Cut out gingerbread people or any other desired shape. Place at least an inch (2.5 cm) apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Parchment paper is optional with this recipe, but it makes cleanup and pan juggling easier.

Bake in 350 deg F oven until just light golden brown around the edges, and the edges feel dry and firm to the touch. About 12 minutes. Cool in pans for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Stores up to three weeks in an airtight container.