Step 1

Start early in the day. In a large bowl, sift flour first thing.

Step 2

Measure all ingredients.

Step 3

Then add into the bowl the dry ingredients. Stir them a little.

Step 4

Then add the rest of the ingredients.

Step 5

With the mixer on medium speed, beat ingredients until well mixed.

Step 6

Cover and refrigerate at least one hour.

Step 7

On a lightly floured surface with rolling pin floured, roll dough 1/8 inch thick.

Step 8

With a cookie cutter, cut out gingerbread man or other shapes.

Step 9

Place cookies 1/2 inch apart on cookie sheet. Reroll trimmings and cut them out too.

Step 10

In a preheated oven, bake at 375F for about 8 minutes or until brown.

Step 11

With pancake turner, remove cookies to racks to cool.

Step 12

Makes about 2 dozen 5-inch cookies.