Photo by Amie Valpone

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups unbleached flour
• 2 teaspoons ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves

Gingerbread Cookies

Use this festive, spicy dough to make gingerbread boys and girls or ornament–shaped cookies.

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream together butter, sugar, molasses, and honey. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.

In another bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add to wet ingredients and mix well.

On a floured surface, in batches, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut, using cookie cutters or stencils. Place on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake about 8 to 10 minutes, until nicely browned and sturdy. Frost when completely cooled.

CHEF SUGGESTION

If desired, add raisins, nuts and other decorations before baking — or after baking using dabs of frosting as "glue."