Best Gingerbread Cookies

Step 1

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt.  Set aside.

Step 2

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter and sugar until smooth.  Beat in the egg, and then the molasses.  Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture.  Divide the dough into 2 halves.  Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.  On a well-floured surface, roll out half of the dough to 1/8-inch thickness.  Cut shapes with assorted-sized gingerbread cookie cutters; transfer to ungreased baking sheets.  Re-roll the scraps and cut more cookies.  Repeat with the rest of the dough.

Step 4

Bake at 350 degrees F. for 13 minutes.  Transfer the cookies to racks to cool completely.  Decorate with Royal Icing and cinnamon candies.