Marty's Gingerbread Boys

In 1984 I went to a Christmas party at Marty's house - we had been dating for about two months - and these gingerbread boys were on the menu.  Now we've been married for five years, and I still like these boys.  Sometimes I cut them out like cats, though, these days.

Start this recipe ahead of time so you have time to chill the dough.

Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cups sifted flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ginger

Method

  1. Cream together shortening, sugar, and molasses.  Add egg and mix.
  2. Sift together dry ingredients and blend into creamed mixture.
  3. Chill several hours or overnight.
  4. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 deg. F.
  5. Roll dough out 1/4-inch thick on floured board and cut into gingerbread boy shapes.  Be careful not to handle the dough too much or add too much flour, or it makes the cookies tough.
  6. Arrange on greased baking sheets and decorate with candies or raisins if desired.
  7. Bake 8-10 mins at 350 deg. on greased baking sheets.
  8. If desired, decorate with frosting when cool.

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