Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Directions:

1. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices in a large bowl; set aside.
2. Using electric mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and egg until smooth.
3. Add molasses and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Add vanilla.
5. Stir in the flour mixture 1 cup at a time, blending until smooth.
6. The dough should gather into a semi-firm mass. (If it's not firm, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup flour, but not enough to make it crumbly.).
7. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Flatten into disks and wrap in plastic.
8. Dough may roll better by refrigerating up to 2 hours first. Refrigerate for up to a week.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F
10. On a floured surface, roll each disk to 1/8 inch thick.
11. Cut shapes with cookie cutters and transfer to a large, parchment-lined baking sheet, 1 inch apart.
12. Decorate, if desired.
13. Bake until firm to the touch, about 8-12 minutes. (Err on the low side.).
14. Cool slightly before transferring to a rack. (I just slide the parchment immediately to the rack. The cookies cooled completely on the parchment without sticking.).