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Dough Preparations
1) In a medium bowl, sift
together flour, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and black pepper,
if using.
2) In a large bowl, cream
together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in molasses, water and vanilla,
then gradually add in flour mixture until a smooth dough forms.
3) Divide dough into two
or three pieces (dough will be quite soft), cover with plastic wrap and
refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until firm.
Cutting and Baking
Preheat oven to 375°F.
For softer cookies:
1) On a lightly floured
surface, roll out dough to just under 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie
cutters of your choice (2"-3"
gingerbread men are ideal!) to cut dough.
2) Place cookies on a
parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 9-12 minutes, depending on size of cookie
cutter. Cookies should be slightly firm to the touch at the edges. Let cookies
cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool
completely.
For crispier cookies:
1) On a lightly floured
surface, roll out dough to just under 1/8 inch thickness. Use cookie
cutters of your choice (2"-3″
gingerbread men are ideal!) to cut dough.
2) Place cookies on a
parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 9-12 minutes, depending on size of
cookie cutter. Cookies should be slightly firm to the touch at the edges and
will be lightly browned. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before
transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
When cool, decorate with
icing.
Icing
Combine confectioners' sugar and cream
of tartar. Gradually add water
while mixing until the desired glaze
consistency is attained (should still
drip). Cover icing bowl with damp
paper towel while using to keep from
setting. Spread on each cookie and
set aside. Ices about 24 cookies.
Hint: If you plan on
decorating your cookies, it often works
better before the icing sets completely.
Decorating
You can also top the
cookies off with sprinkles or chopped, candied ginger if you prefer not to ice
them.
Makes about 30-40
gingerbread men, depending on size of cookie cutters used and whether you make
them thick or thin.
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