We Made Gingerbread Cookies!!

1/2 Cup Molasses (I used mild molasses)
1 Cup Butter or Margarine
1/2 Cup Water
2 1/2 tsp Baking Soda (dissolve in water)
2 Cups Sugar
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Ginger
1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
5 Cups Flour

Melt molasses & butter in bowl in microwave (I did 30 second increments) then pour into mixing bowl. Dissolve baking soda in water and then add to the butter mixture. Add sugar. Stir in Spices. Add flour & mix thoroughly. Add more flour as needed if dough is too sticky (I found this recipe was perfect...). Roll, cut (add red hots to decorate if desired) & bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes (I did 8 minutes and they came out really fluffy...but then flattened when cooled).

Of the two batches my friend made this year, the sticker one was better. But you want it stiff enough to handle it. You can also chill it for a bit to help.

I had cookie cutters and after each cut I rolled up the unused dough & kept adding it back to the bowl (the table had flour on it...) so by the end the dough was so easy to handle. Well enjoy!!!! WE ARE! ;o)