Gingerbread Cookies

It doesn't really matter if you enjoy gingerbread cookies or not. On Christmas, people make them because they make people happy. And because they're so darn cute.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 c. packed brown sugar
• 2/3 c. molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 3 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp. ground ginger
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 2" piece fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)
• 1/2 tsp. finely ground black pepper (optional)
• Sugar Cookie Icing, for decorating
• Sprinkles, for decorating

Directions:

• Using a hand mixer, cream the butter, brown sugar, and molasses in a large mixing basin until frothy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well mixed.
• In a medium mixing basin, combine the flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients, as well as the fresh ginger, orange zest, and black pepper (if using), until the dough just comes together. (Be careful not to overmix!)
• Make two discs out of the dough by dividing it in half. Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill for 2 to 3 hours, or until firm. (Alternatively, divide the dough in half and roll each half between two pieces of parchment paper to 1/4" thickness.) (Refrigerate until firm.)
• Preheat oven to 350° and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Place one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface and roll until 1/4" thick. (Alternatively, peel off both sheets of parchment from the dough, then replace one sheet of parchment back underneath the dough.) Cut out gingerbread men with a 3" wide cutter and transfer to baking sheets.
• Bake until slightly puffed and set, 9 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of your cookie cutters. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
• Repeat with remaining disc of dough. Decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired.