Ginger cut outs for gingerbread men

I make them thick so they stay soft

Ingredients

3 c sifted all purpose flour

1 T salt

1 tsp allspice

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground cloves

¼ tsp ground black pepper (optional)

1 c butter

½ c light or dark brown sugar

½ c molasses

¼ c water

Method

Sift together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, cream shortening, sugar and molasses. Mix that into the dry ingredients, alternating with the water. Mix until smooth. Chill dough overnight.

Roll out and cut into desired shapes. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 for about 8 minutes. Cool completely before icing.

This story was originally published December 8, 2015 at 5:04 PM with the headline "Ginger cut outs for gingerbread men."