1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy.

2. Add molasses and water and beat until well combined

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and additional dry ingredients

4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until well combined and scraping down the bowl after each addition

5. Divide the dough in half and wrap in plastic

6. Place in refrigerator at least 2 hours up to overnight

7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

8. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat

9. Remove from refrigerator and let warm up about 10 minutes

10. Roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface

11. Cut with cookie cutter and place on prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart

12. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until set around the edges

13. Remove and let cool slightly on baking sheet, then remove to wire rack to cool completely

Icing

1. In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, corn syrup, clear vanilla extract (regular is fine, clear makes the icing really white) and 2 tablespoons milk.

2. Whisk together, add more milk a little at a time if needed

3. Fit a decorator icing bag with a small round tip and fill with icing

4. Decorate as desired. Use candies, sprinkles, gum drops ect.