Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• icing, optional

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Whisk flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt together so the spices are evenly dispersed.
2. Step 2.Cream butter and brown sugar until light, then beat in the egg and molasses until smooth.
3. Step 3.Mix in the dry ingredients only until a dough forms, then divide, wrap, and chill until firm.
4. Step 4.Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface, cut shapes, and transfer them to lined baking sheets.
5. Step 5.Bake at 350°F until the edges are set but the centres are not overbaked, then cool on racks.
6. Step 6.Decorate completely cooled cookies with icing only after their surfaces are dry and firm.