Ingredients

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1/2 teaspoon  baking powder 

1 cup (2 sticks)  unsalted butter 

1 cup  dark-brown sugar 

4 teaspoons  ground ginger 

4 teaspoons  ground cinnamon 

1 1/2 teaspoons  ground cloves 

1 teaspoon  finely ground black pepper 

1 1/2 teaspoons salt 

2 large  eggs 

1 1/2 cups  unsulfured molasses 

6 cups  all-purpose flour 

Preparation

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.

In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in spices and salt. Beat in eggs and molasses.

Add flour mixture; mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Divide dough into thirds and wrap in plastic. Chill for at least 1 hour.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. On a well-floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes, or using template instructions, if desired. Place dough shapes on ungreased baking sheets; chill until firm, about 15 minutes. Bake 15 minutes, or until gingerbread is firm in the center, but not dark around the edges.

Click here for our Gingerbread House template and Gingerbread House Kit instructions.