Classic Gingerbread Cutouts

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together brown sugar, butter, molasses, egg, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Form the dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the baking sheet.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
9. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Optional: decorate with icing and sprinkles.

Interesting Facts

• Gingerbread has been around for centuries, first appearing in Europe in the 15th century.
• Gingerbread houses first became popular in Germany in the early 1800s.
• Gingerbread is usually made with honey or molasses, which give it its sweet, spicy flavor.