Gingerbread Men

Directions

1. 1
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, and cloves; set aside.
2. 2
   In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, both sugars, and fresh ginger on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. 3
   Beat in egg and molasses to combine.
4. 4
   With mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture, beating until just incorporated.
5. 5
   Turn out the dough onto a clean work surface.
6. 6
   Divide in half, and shape into flattened disks; wrap each in plastic.
7. 7
   Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
8. 8
   Preheat the oven to 350F, with racks in the upper and lower thirds.
9. 9
   Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
10. 10
    Remove dough from the refrigerator, and let stand until slightly softened.
11. 11
    (This will help keep the dough from cracking when rolled.)
12. 12
    On a large piece of parchment paper lightly dusted with flour, roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
13. 13
    To prevent sticking while rolling, occasionally run a large offset spatula under dough, and add more flour.
14. 14
    Place parchment paper and dough on another baking sheet; freeze until very firm, about 15 minutes.
15. 15
    Remove dough from freezer; working quickly, cut out with large cookie cutters.
16. 16
    (If the dough begins to soften too much, return to the freezer for a few minutes.)
17. 17
    Using a wide metal spatula, transfer cutouts to prepared baking sheets; chill until firm, about 15 minutes.
18. 18
    Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies are crisp but not darkened, 12 to 15 minutes.
19. 19
    Transfer parchment and cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
20. 20
    Decorate as desired with Royal Icing, if using.
21. 21
    Cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
22. 22
    A paper cornet or pastry bag filled with Royal Icing is all thats needed to decorate gingerbread cutouts.
23. 23
    You can keep the cookies abstract, as pictured, or draw faces on them.