Instructions

Instructions are for 30 servings. Please modify as needed.

1. Mix the water and spices in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add the butter. Stir until melted. The cinnamon will make the consistency a bit slimy.
2. Mix all of the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add the spice mixture and egg white. Mix thoroughly and shape the dough into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors mature.
3. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
4. Cut the dough in half and use a rolling pin to flatten the dough. Placing the dough between two pieces of parchment paper is the easiest. When flattened, the dough should be about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Using cookie cutters, cut the gingerbread cookies into shapes. Use a spatula to carefully move them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake the cookies for 7-9 minutes or until lightly browned. Lower the heat to 200°F (100°C) and continue to bake them for about 30 minutes or until crisp depending on the size and thickness of the cookies.
6. Let the cookies cool completely on a cooling rack before serving or decorating them.