Gingerbread Cookies

I have even made gingerbread houses from this recipe--it's definitely a favorite.

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup  softened butter
1 1/2 cups dark molasses
2/3 cup cold water
7 cups all-purpose flour*
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Mix brown sugar, butter, molasses and water in large bowl.  Stir in remaining ingredients.  Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
2. Heat oven to 350.  Grease cookie sheet lightly with butter.
3. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on floured surface.  Cut with floured gingerbread cutter or other favorite shaped cutter.  Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.
4. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until no indentation remains when touched.  Remove from cookie sheet.  Cool completely on wire rack.  Decorate with colored frosting, colored sugar and candies if desired.

*If using self-rising flour, omit baking soda and salt.