I've searched for years- THESE are the best gingerbread cutout cookies ever! The dough holds shape & bakes up perfectly every time & has a fantastic spiced gingerbread flavor. Favorite gingerbread men recipe ever!
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well blended. Set aside.
In a large bowl (KitchenAid's great for this) beat butter, shortening, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.
Add molasses & vanilla and continue to mix until well blended.
Gradually stir in dry ingredients until blended and smooth.
Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic and chill for 1 hour. Then let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare baking sheets by lining with parchment paper.
Place 1 portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle flour over dough and rolling pin. Roll dough to a scant 1/4-inch thick. Use additional flour to avoid sticking.
Cut out cookies with desired cutter. Space cookies 1 1/2-inches apart. We always use the classic gingerbread man & woman, but it's fun to throw in the occasional dinosaur or bunny!
Bake 1 sheet at a time for 8-9 minutes. Let the cookies sit on the hot tray for another 5 minutes after you take them out of the oven.
Transfer cookies to a cooling rack. Fully cool before frosting!
Whisk icing ingredients together. Transfer to an icing bag and pipe onto cookies, using additional decorations like holiday M&M's, chocolate chips, red hots, etc. Have fun with it!
Notes
Recipe yields 24-36 cookies, depending on the size of cookie cutter you use!