Joy Of Cooking Gingerbread Cookies - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water

Preparation

Pre-heat oven to 350.
Beat softened butter and sugar until creamy.
Beat in molasses.
Combine the dry ingredients.
Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the water.
On a floured surface, roll the dough to your preferred thickness (recipe makes 8-16 cookies).
Use cookie cutters to shape the cookies.
Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
If desired, mix 1/4 cup powdered sugar with a few drops of water and food colouring to make icing, and decorate when cool.