Gingerbread Men

Classic gingerbead cookies

• Ready In: 4 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 36
• Yields: 36 large cookies

Ingredients

• 5 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2  teaspoons ground ginger
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1  cup  packed light brown sugar
• 1  large egg
• 1  cup unsulphured molasses
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and spices in a large bowl; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar and egg on medium until smooth. Add the molasses and beat until fluffy- about 2 minutes. Add the vanilla. Stir in the flour mixture 1 cup at a time. Dough will begin to form. Turn dough onto a floured service and divide in half. Flatten into disks and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 1 week. Preheat oven to 350. On a floured surface, roll out to about 1/8 inch think. Cut out with desired shape cookie cutters. Transfer to a large cookie sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake until firm- about 12 minutes. Cool slightly before transferring to wire rack.