Pattie's Fat & Fluffy Gingerbread Men

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup shortening
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 cups dark molasses
  • 2/3 cup cold water
  • 7 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix shortening, sugar and molasses thoroughly in a large mixing bowl.
Stir in the cold water (this will look like a funky mess)
Measure and add flour by the dipping method (one cup at a time, no need to sift)
Add all remaining dry ingredients and mix well.
Cover and chill dough for about 1 hour.
Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
Cut using a gingerbread man cutter or your favorite shaped cutter.
This recipe also works well with cookie stamps.
Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet, be sure to leave a good bit of space between them because they puff up more then you think.
Bake 10-12 minutes.
Don't overbake!!!
Notes: If using self rising flour omit baking soda & salt.