Spicy Gingerbread Men

Too early for gingerbread men? I think not!

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup margarine, softened

- 1/2 cup molasses 

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 1 egg yolk

- 2 cups flour

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

- 1 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1 teaspoon ginger

First: In a large bowl cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Stir in molasses and egg yolk.

Second: In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg. Blend flour mixture into molasses mixture until smooth. Cover and chill dough for at least an hour.

Third: Preheat over to 350 degrees. Roll dough out to 1/4 inch thick and using cookie cutters, cut dough into desired shapes. 

Fourth: Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart and bake for 8-10 minutes. You can either sprinkle powdered sugar over cookies once cooled or frost with icing. 

I don't remember where I found this recipe, but I happened upon it last year and it made it to my cookbook! Hope you enjoy!