Gingerbread Boys, Girls and Stars

Ginger Bread Cookies

1/3 cup shortening

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 1/2 cups dark molasses

2/3 cup cold water

7 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon cloves

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Frosting if desired

Mix shortening, sugar and molasses thoroughly. Add water. Mix well. In a separate large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, allspice, ginger, cloves and cinnamon.  Add to molasses mixture. Beat until smooth.

Wrap in plastic wrap and chill 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll out dough 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured board. Cut with your favorite cookie cutters. Stars, boys, girls or Ninjas.

Do not crowd on baking sheet.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until no imprint remains when lightly touched.

If you want to ice the you can use any frosting.  Just ice when cool.

makes 2 1/2 to 3 dozen cookies depending on size of cookie cutter