Gingerbread Man Cookies

Step 1
Combine flour, ginger, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl and set aside.

Step 2
In large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until smooth. Mix in egg and molasses. Dissolve baking soda in 1 1/2 teaspoons warm water and add to egg mixture; stir until combined.

Step 3
Mix in dry ingredients well blended. Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate overnight.

Step 4
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets or line them with parchment paper.

Step 5
Lightly flour a work surface. Roll out dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut out gingerbread men using cookie cutters and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Use raisins to make eyes, noses and buttons.

Step 6
Bake in the preheated oven, or until firm, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on wire racks.