gingerbread cookies recipe

6 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
4 teaspoons ground ginger
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon finely ground pepper
1 teaspoon Chinese five spice
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup unsulfured molasses

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in spices and salt. Beat in eggs and molasses.

3.Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Divide dough into thirds and wrap in plastic. Chill at least one hour.

4. Heat oven to 350 degrees. On a well-floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch. Cut into desired shapes. Placed on an ungreased baking sheet and chill again until firm (about 15 minutes). Bake 12 - 15 minutes. The cookies should be firm in the center but not dark around the edges.