Gingerbread Men with Zesty Lemon Icing Xmas Cookie Recipes

Instructions:

1. Whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness. Cut out gingerbread men using cookie cutters.
8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Add more lemon juice, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the icing reaches desired consistency.
11. Transfer icing to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small corner cut off. Decorate cooled cookies as desired. Let the icing set before serving or storing.