This recipe comes from my mother-in-law, Paula. Since my husband Bryan’s birthday is in December, Paula would bake gingerbread men for his birthday treat to share with his class. Gingerbread men happen to be one of my favorite cookies, and this recipe is one that I bake each Christmas season!

I sent one dozen gingerbread men to three different food bloggers – Sara at Confectionary Tales, Sarah at The Frosted Kitchen, and Amber at Slim Pickin’s Kitchen.

If you’re looking for the perfect gingerbread man, definitely bake these up! Paula usually bakes with margarine, and I usually bake with butter. I have baked them with both butter and margarine (on different occasions), and both turn out equally delicious. Enjoy!

Paula’s Gingerbread Men

1 c. butter or margarine
1 c. sugar
1 c. molasses
4 1/2 c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. cinnamon
1 t. powdered ginger

Using a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar. Stir in molasses and then mix in remaining ingredients. Cover and chill for at least a few hours or overnight. Preheat the oven to 375. On floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4″, then cut with cookie cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, parchment paper, or a silpat. If the cookies get too soft or warm place them in the fridge to firm up prior to baking. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

For more information on the second annual Great Food Blogger Cookie swap visit http://www.fbcookieswap.com/.