How to Make Gingerbread People

"Run, run as fast as you can. You can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man." These cookies are sure make wonderful memories for you and your kids while they delight your family and friends. This dough can also be used to make a house for the little folks!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• ½ cup shortening
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1/5 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• Icing
• Decorative Candies

1. 
    

   Preheat oven to 375* In a mixing bowl beat shortening with and electric mixer on high for about 30 seconds.

2. 
    

   Add about half of the flour, the sugar, molasses, egg, vinegar, baking powder, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Beat well and then beat in remaining flour.

3. 
    

   Cover and chill for 3 hours or until you can handle it easily.

4. 
    

   Divide the dough in half. On floured wax paper, roll half of the dough at a time 1/4 inch thick. Use people shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and then place them 1 inch apart on a greased cookie sheet.

5. 
    

   Bake for 6-8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

6. 
    

   Decorate cookies with icing and decorative candies.

Tips & Warnings

• Too many cookies will spoil your dinner!

[derbyka]

on 1/11/2009 These sound so good. I've always wanted to learn how to make them and this sounds like the perfect recipe to try.

[2enjoylife]

on 12/30/2008 Huh your recipe has an egg and vinegar that mine doesn't have, and your gingerbread people look great! Thanks for the new recipe!*****

[pianistic]

on 12/28/2008 Great pics.

[prism]

on 12/21/2008 You forgot the step to keep watch that they don't escape! ;) Sorry, just kidding! Great article. Thanks!

[Susang6]

on 12/19/2008 great recipe and love your pictures too! thank you for sharing!