Sassy Gingerbread Men

Simply the best Gingerbread recipe I have had. The addition of orange zest sets these cookies apart they are sweet and slightly spicy at the same time. I am not sure what the origins of this recipe are, I got it from my step-mother Susan who I have referenced before as my cooking inspiration.

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 12-14
• Yields: 24-28 cookies

Ingredients

• 1  cup butter
• 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
• 1  egg
• 4  teaspoons orange zest
• 2  tablespoons dark corn syrup
• 3  cups  sifted all-purpose flour
• 2  teaspoons baking soda
• 2  teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2  teaspoons ground ginger
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
•  cookie cutter
•  royal icing (optional)
•  raisins (optional)

Directions

1. Thoroughly cream together butter and sugar.
2. Add egg, beat until light and fluffy.
3. Add orange zest and corn syrup, mix well.
4. Sift together remaining ingredients, stir into creamed mixture.
5. Chill dough thoroughly.
6. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
7. On lightly floured surface, roll to 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Cut with Gingerbread men (and women) cookie cutters.
9. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
10. Bake 8-10 minutes
11. Cool on rack.
12. Decorate sassy little men with royal icing and raisins if desired.