2/3 c. packed brown sugar
2/3 c. shortening
1 1/3 c. molasses
2 eggs
5 1/2 c. flour, can be part whole wheat or oat
4 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt, or less

Mix brown sugar, shortening, and molasses. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place about 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake until no indentation remains when touched, about 7-8 minutes; let cool. Frost and decorate as desired. Makes 4-5 dozen.