Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon clove
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 2 eggs
• 4 1/2 cups flour

Directions

1. 1

   Into a large bowl, measure molasses, brown sugar, butter, baking soda, salt, spices, eggs, and 1 1/2 cups flour.

2. 2

   Beat ingredients at low speed just until mixed, then increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes.

3. 3

   With wooden spoon, or mixer, stir in about 3 cups flour to make a stiff dough. (I recommend a Kitchen-Aid mixer for this job.).

4. 4

   Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

5. 5

   Roll dough to about a 1/4 inch thickness. (I do this between two sheets of plastic wrap to avoid a floury mess and to keep dough from getting tough.) Cut into desired shapes and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.

6. 6

   Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Baking time varies for me depending on how thick the cookie sheets are, how thick the dough is rolled out, and how big the shapes are, ie. gingerbread walls take a little longer.

7. 7

   Cool on racks and decorate with Royal Icing.