Gingerbread Men Serving Size : 20 Preparation Time :0:00 Categories : Desserts & Sweets Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method -------- ------------ -------------------------------- 1 cup brown sugar -- packed 1/3 cup shortening 1 1/2 cups light molasses 2/3 cup cold water 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 7 cups all-purpose flour -- ICING: 1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar 1 large egg white 1 pinch cream of tartar Cream together brown sugar and shortening. Mix in molasses and water. Mix in baking soda, salt, and spices until well blended. Gradually stir in flour until well mixed (dough will be very thick and difficult to stir). Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least two hours. Heat oven to 350 F. Roll dough 1/4-inch thick on floured board. Cut with floured gingerbread cutter. Place about 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheet. Decorate with raisins, if desired. Bake until no indentation remains when touched, 10 to 12 minutes; cool. Decorate with Decorators' Frosting. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen 2 1/2 inch cookies. Gingerbread Cookies: Decrease flour to 6 cups. Roll dough 1/2 inch thick and cut with floured 2 1/2 inch round cutter. Place about 1 1/2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake about 15 minutes. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -