Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (113g)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (100g)
  • ½ cup molasses (170g)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (281g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda (5g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger (2g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2g)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves (1g)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (1g)
  • Royal icing (store-bought or homemade, optional)
  • Sprinkles, candies, etc. (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
  8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or candies as desired.