1 c. light molasses
1 c. butter
4 3/4 c. all-purpose flour, sifted
1 tsp. double-acting baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
2 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. clove
2 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 c. dark brown sugar, firmly packed
1 egg

Heat molasses slowly in a saucepan large enough for mixing cookies. Remove from heat, add butter and stir until melted. Cool. Sift together the next eight ingredients. Mix with brown sugar and stir into mixture. Add egg. Chill 1 to 2 hours or until stiff enough to handle. Roll 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick on a lightly floured board. Shape with a gingerbread man cookie cutter. Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake in a preheated moderate oven (350 degrees) for 12 to 15 minutes. Decorate as desired.

Use 10X sugar and a little water for icing.