Gingerbread Men Cookies

Nothing says it's the holiday season like making and decorating roll-out cookies. Because of the refrigeration time, these cookies are not fast. But what they lack in speediness they gain in flavor. Originating from the spice giant McCormick these cookies pack a ginger punch like none other I have tried. These cookies also make a great addition to the family gingerbread house decorating because they are edible. We like to decorate with almond flavored buttercream icing.

Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 5 hours
Servings: 2 dozen
Source: McCormick

Ingredients

Flour, 3 cups
Ginger, ground, 2 tsp
Cinnamon, ground, 1 tsp
Baking soda, 1 tsp
Nutmeg, ground, 1/4 tsp
Salt, 1/4 tsp
Butter, 3/4 cups (1 1/2 sticks)
Brown sugar, firmly packed, 3/4 cup
Molasses, 1/2 cup
Egg, 1
Vanilla extract, 1 tsp

Directions

1. In a large bowl mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. set aside.
2. Beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed.
5. Press dough into a thick flat disc. Cover in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
6. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut into gingerbread men shapes. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
7. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies are set and just beginning to brown.
8. Cool on baking sheets one to two minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Decorate as desired once cool.