Santa Claus Gingerbread

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon warm water
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup boiling water

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and shortening over low heat and remove from heat. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, molasses, spices, and salt. Whisk in butter and shortening mixture. In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in warm water and add to mixture. Sift flour over batter and mix well. Slowly add boiling water and mix.

Roll to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into gingerbread men using cookie cutters. Place on cookie sheets and bake until cookies are golden brown and edges are crisp and set, about 10 to 15 minutes. Cool gingerbread and decorate, as desired.