1 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 c. molasses
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. ginger
2 tsp. baking soda in 2/3 c. hot water
5 1/2 c. white flour (or use 5 c. whole wheat)

Cream butter and sugar together. Add other ingredients in order given. Cool thoroughly. Roll to 1/8 - 3/16 inch thickness (use more flour so it doesn't stick) and cut with cookie cutters. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees.

To make tree ornaments for tree, use a toothpick to make a hole before baking. When cool, thread through string or curling ribbon.