gingerbread cookie recipe

Gingerbread Cookies

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup molasses
4 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. salt

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses. Combine the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours, overnight or until easy to handle.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8 in. thickness. Cut with floured cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. Decorate with frosting if desired.

Happy baking!