Gingerbread Cookies

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2. 2
   Sift the flour, baking powder, spices and salt together in a large bowl, and set aside.
3. 3
   In a small saucepan combine the butter, honey, sugar, lemon juice and the lemon and orange zest.
4. 4
   Bring this to medium heat and cook until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
5. 5
   Let cool to about room temperature and beat in the eggs.
6. 6
   Make a well in the flour/spice mixture and add the egg/sugar mixture to the well.
7. 7
   Using a fork, begin to gradually incorporate the flour into the egg mixture.
8. 8
   When the flour has mostly been incorporated, turn the mixture out onto a clean work surface and gently knead until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
9. 9
   Knead in a little more flour if the dough seems sticky.
10. 10
    Chill dough for 1 hour or overnight.
11. 11
    Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to an even thickness of about 1/4-inch.
12. 12
    Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
13. 13
    Place on a lightly greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cookies are firm and lightly browned.
14. 14
    Let the cookies cool for 3 to 4 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack.
15. 15
    When the cookies are completely cool decorate, as desired.
16. 16
    Cook's Note: If you are planning to hang the cookies, make a hole for the string before baking.