Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses, vanilla, and egg until combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. The dough will be thick.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops are cracked. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Gingerbread cookies have been around since the 16th century.
• Gingerbread was originally made with honey instead of molasses.
• Gingerbread houses are a popular holiday tradition.