Classic Gingerbread Men

It's no surprise that I love baking at Christmastime.  I love getting in the kitchen and trying new recipes for cookies and other treats, but there is something extra special about making cookies that I have made year after year.  These gingerbread cookies are a tradition that is very near and dear to me.  For as long as I can remember, I have made these cookies the weekend after Thanksgiving.  For me, it is such a nice way to officially kick off the holiday season and it wouldn't feel like Christmas without them.  If you are looking for a classic Christmas cookie, these are definitely it!

Classic Gingerbread Men

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups molasses
2/3 cup cold water
7 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt

Chocolate chips, Red Hots, sprinkles and anything else you would like to decorate with!

Frosting

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla
5 tablespoons half-and-half

In a large bowl or bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine brown sugar, shortening, molasses and water. Stir in remaining cookie ingredients (flour-salt). Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease cookie sheet. On a floured surface, roll dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut with floured gingerbread cutter or other favorite shaped cutter. Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. If desired, decorate with chocolate chips, Red Hots, sprinkles or other desired decorations.  To make decorations such as Red Hots or sprinkles stick, lightly brush cookies with egg wash first (1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water), half and half or milk), then cover with decoration.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until no indentation remains when touched (for a softer, chewier cookie, bake 8 to 10 minutes). Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

In large bowl, stir together all frosting ingredients until smooth and spreadable. Decorate cookies with frosting, if desired.


Source: Betty Crocker