Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp light corn syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg and molasses until the mixture is smooth and mahogany-colored.
  3. Sift together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet until a stiff dough forms.
  5. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment.
  7. Roll the chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
  8. Cut out gingerbread men shapes and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set.
  10. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Mix powdered sugar, water, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract to create a thick icing.
  12. Use a piping bag to pipe white skeletal details onto the cooled cookies.