Soft Gingerbread Cookies

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• Icing from the sugar cookie recipe, or store-bought decorating icing

1. 1Beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses and vanilla.
2. 2Mix in the flour, baking soda, salt and spices until a soft dough forms. Divide in half, flatten into discs, wrap and chill at least 2 hours (or overnight).
3. 3Heat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment.
4. 4Roll the dough 1/4 inch thick on a floured counter and cut out shapes.
5. 5Bake 8–10 minutes, until set at the edges but still soft in the center. Cool 5 minutes on the sheet, then on a rack.
6. 6Decorate once completely cool.

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