gingerbread cookies on Christmas eve photos

Gingerbread cookies cooking on a rack, waiting for decoration.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

Gingerbread cookies awaiting decoration.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

Holiday gingerbread cookies, decorated and spread out on sheet pans.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

Cutting out gingerbread dough, with shapes on a cutting board.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

Decorated gingerbread cookies on sheet pans.   (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)