Ingredients

• 1 cup of butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 4 teaspoons of orange zest
• 2 tablespoons of dark corn syrup
• 3 cups of flour
• 2 teaspoons of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Instructions

1. Thoroughly cream together butter and sugar.

2. Add egg and beat until light and fluffy.

3. Add orange peel and corn syrup, mix well.

4. Whisk together remaining ingredients and stir into creamed mixture.

5. Chill the dough thoroughly. (2 hours)

6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)

7. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.

8. Cut with gingerbread man cookie cutter.

9. Place the gingerbread men on an ungreased cookie sheet 1 inch apart

10. Bake 8-10 minutes

11. Cool for 1 minute, then remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.

12. Decorate with icing and raisins if desired.