Gingerbread Finale

I'm sure you knew this was coming, but we finished our gingerbread theme by making and decorating gingerbread cookies.

 When baking and decorating cookies, the only required attire is a fancy bracelet!

 Reagan ate one of her cookies before I could get a picture, but here is the other one.

 Collin made Ninjabread cookies using cookie cutters Auntie Karen gave us a few years ago.

This is the recipe I have been using for a few years.  In my opinion, it is the perfect gingerbread cookie and very child friendly with just the right amount of spice and the right amount of sweetness.
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses
2 teaspoons vanilla
Directions:

1
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well blended.
2
In a large bowl (KitchenAid's great for this) beat butter, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.
3
Add molasses and vanilla, and continue to mix until well blended.
4
Gradually stir in dry ingredients until blended and smooth.
5
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.
6
(Dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but in this case it should be refrigerated. Return to room temp before using.) Preheat oven to 375°.
7
Grease or line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
8
Place 1 portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface.
9
Sprinkle flour over dough and rolling pin.
10
Roll dough to a scant 1/4-inch thick.
11
Use additional flour to avoid sticking.
12
Cut out cookies with desired cutter-- the ginger bread man is our favorite of course.
13
Space cookies 1 1/2-inches apart.
14
Bake 1 sheet at a time for 7-10 minutes (the lower time will give you softer cookies-- very good!).
15
Remove cookie sheet from oven and allow the cookies to stand until the cookies are firm enough to move to a wire rack.
16
After cookies are cool you may decorate them any way you like.