1 1. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well blended.

2 2. In a large mixer bowl beat butter, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.

3 3. Add the vanilla and a few drops of water. Continue to mix until well blended.

4 4. Gradually stir in dry ingredients until dough is smooth.

5 5. Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic. Let stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours.

6 6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

7 7. Place 1 half of the divided dough on a floured surface.

8 8. Roll dough to a little over 1/4" thickness. Flour your work surface and rolling pin as needed to keep the dough from sticking.

9 9. Cut out cookies with cookie cutters.

10 10. Place cookies 1 1/2" apart on prepared cookie sheet.

11 11. Bake one sheet of cookies at a time for 7-9 minutes, do not overbake. Cookies firm up after cooling.

12 12. Remove cookie sheet from oven and allow the cookies to cool until firm enough to move to a wire rack. Decorate your gingerbread men with icing, candies, or colored sugar when fully cooled.