Homemade Gingerbread Cookies

Who says gingerbread cookies are only reserved to be enjoyed in front of a roaring fire and a glass of mulled wine? These spicy, crispy morsels are a perfect treat for any occasion, plus they are heaps of fun to make. Get creative and put your own personal touch to them!
Here is how.....

Ingredients:

• 10 Tablespoons (145g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2/3 cup (200g)  molasses
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 and 1/2 cups (437g) all-purpose flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Easy royal icing

Directions:

1. In a large bowl , beat the butter for 1 minute on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy. Add the brown sugar and molasses and beat on medium high speed until combined and creamy.  Next, beat in egg and vanilla on high speed for 2 full minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. 
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves together until combined. On low speed, slowly mix into the wet ingredients until combined. The cookie dough will be quite thick and slightly sticky. Divide dough in half and place each onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Wrap each up tightly and pat down to create a disc shape. Chill discs for at least 3 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 180°C.  Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Remove 1 disc of chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator. Generously flour a work surface, as well as your hands and the rolling pin.  Roll out disc until 1/4-inch thick. Cut into shapes. Place shapes on prepared baking sheets. Re-roll dough scraps until all the dough is shaped. Repeat with remaining disc of dough.
5. Bake cookies for about 9-10 minutes, or until lightly browned.
6. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet. Transfer to cooling rack to cool completely. Once completely cool, decorate as desired.