-
Preheat oven to 375 deg. Prepare baking sheets by lining with parchment paper.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well blended.
-
In a large bowl beat butter, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.
-
Add molasses, vanilla, and lemon zest and continue to mix until well blended.
-
Gradually stir in dry ingredients until blended and smooth.
-
Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic and let stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
-
Preheat oven to 375°.
-
Grease or line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
-
Place 1 portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface.
-
Sprinkle flour over dough and rolling pin.
-
Roll dough to a scant ¼-inch thick. Use additional flour to avoid sticking.
-
Cut out cookies with desired cutter-- the ginger bread man is our favorite of course.
-
Space cookies 1 ½-inches apart.
-
Bake 1 sheet at a time for 7-10 minutes.
-
Remove cookie sheet from oven and allow the cookies to stand until the cookies are firm enough to move to a wire rack.
-
After cookies are cool you may decorate them any way you like.