Gingerbread that's too soft

by Carol
(Gahanna, Ohio)

I've used this particular recipe several times, but I cut it in half this time, so I don't know if that's part of the problem.

I have pieces that come out of the oven and seem done - browned almost to the point of burning a little. The batch I baked last night was very firm and seemed done when I took it out, but tonight it's soft - I can actually bend a few of the pieces.

Can I put it back in the oven, say at 200 for a few hours to dry it out, or is it too late? These pieces are for a competition right after Thanksgiving, and I want to make sure that everything is sturdy. Any suggestions that you can give me would be appreciated greatly.