Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ c butter
• 1 ⅓ c sugar
• 2 eggs
• 6 Tb molasses
• 2 c flour
• 3 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp cloves

For Royal Icing:

• 2 c powdered sugar
• ½ c water or milk
• 2 drops food coloring

Directions:

1. Sift together all dry ingredients and set aside
2. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy
3. Add eggs and molasses until just combined
4. Slowly add dry ingredients until just combined
5. Divide dough into two equal portions and form into flattened disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least two hours
6. Whisk all ingredients for royal icing in a bowl until fully combined. Use powdered sugar to thicken and water or milk to thin if needed. Spoon icing into decorated bags fitted with a medium round tip.
7. Unwrap and roll out on a floured surface until dough is evenly 1/8-inch thick
8. Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes, and re-roll as needed to cut more
9. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet
10. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes until the cookies are crisp around the edges. Let cool.
11. Decorate with royal icing and let stand 5 minutes or until icing sets.
12. Enjoy!