Instructions

1. In the bowl of your stand mixer beat together the butter and shortening.
2. Add the brown sugar and beat until fluffy, then beat in the molasses and vanilla.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, ginger, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and cloves.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until it comes together in a dough.
6. Divide the dough into two sections, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
7. Preheat your oven to 350º F and line two baking pans with parchment or baking mats, set aside.
8. On a well floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/8" thick, using cookie cutters and cut out the gingerbread men.
9. Place 1" apart on the baking pans and bake for 5-6 minutes.
10. Transfer to cooling racks and cool completely.
11. Decorate the cookies with icing and sprinkles as desired and serve.
12. Store remaining cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.