Ingredients
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon grated or ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Makes about 2 dozen
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 8 minutes

Step 1:
In a large bowl, with mixer at slow speed, beat flour, sugar, butter, molasses, egg, cinnamon, baking powder, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.

Step 2:
Preheat oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, working with half of the dough at a time, roll 1/8 inch thick. With floured cookie cutters, cut dough into shapes. Using a spatula, place cookies 1/2 inch apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake 8 minutes, or until very lightly browned. Transfer cookies to racks to cool before decorating with icing.