# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1 tablespoon ground ginger
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
13 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ For Rolling
14 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional)
→ For Decorating
15 - Royal icing or simple glaze
16 - Colored sprinkles (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
02 - Beat unsalted butter and dark brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
03 - Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture; beat until well combined.
04 - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until incorporated; the dough will be soft.
05 - Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour until firm.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc to 1/4-inch thickness; cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
08 - Place cookies 1 inch apart on baking sheets; optionally sprinkle with granulated sugar.
09 - Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are just firm; cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Once cooled, decorate with royal icing and sprinkles as desired.
