Rolled Cookies - Gingerbread Men Cookies/Recipe

Gingerbread is a dough that is generally made with molasses, and of course ginger, as well as other spices. Gingerbread can take many forms; cakes, gingerbread houses, and cookies such as ginger snaps and Gingerbread Men. Because of the strong flavor combination of the molasses and spices this type of cookie can often be an acquired taste. However, making and decorating gingerbread men is fun for bakers and children alike.

For you history buffs out there, here is a little background information on gingerbread. Gingerbread dates back to the 15Th century, with the now familiar man shape coming into being in the 16Th century. The first reported use of gingerbread figures was in the court of England's Queen Elizabeth I. The queen had gingerbread figures made and presented in the likeness of some of her important guests. For those of you really talented and love creative decorating, you might try making your gingerbread men to resemble your family members or other holiday guests you are serving them to. As for me, I am not that talented, so I will stick with the generic likenesses in order to avoid offending anyone with a poorly decorated figure!

Gingerbread Men

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour, sifted
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup Crisco shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup light molasses

1. Sift together flour, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder; set aside.
2. In large bowl, with wooden spoon, beat together shortening, sugar, and egg until fluffy. Add molasses and beat well.
3. Stir in half the flour mixture, mixing until smooth.
4. Add the rest of the flour mixture. Mix with hands until dough is all one color.
5. With your hands, shape dough into a ball. Wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate about 2 hours, or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly grease cookies sheets, using butter to grease them.
7. Divide dough into two parts. Return one part to the refrigerator.
8. On well-floured board, roll out dough about 1/8 inch thick.
9. Using a 5" gingerbread man cookie cutter, cut out the cookies.
10. To avoid breaking, slip a pancake turner under each cookie and lift, placing them on the cookie sheets, 2 inches apart.
11. Bake 8 to 10 min., or until lightly browned.
12. Remove from pan to wire rack and cool.
13. Frost and decorate as desired; have fun with this part!

Makes about 20 gingerbread men.

Next Week: Molded Cookies