Created by HeatherFeather on December 27, 2012
Step 1: The day before you plan to bake your cookies (or at least several hours in advance), use an electric mixer to combine the butter, sugar, and molasses until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Sift or whisk together the flour and baking soda.
Step 3: Measure your spices out carefully, leveling off each spoonful, and combine in a small bowl; add to the flour mixture and whisk well to combine fully.
Step 4: Gradually add some of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, blending well, until all of the flour has been incorporated into the dough; mixture will get somewhat stiff.
Step 5: Divide the dough into 3 balls and place each inside a small zip-top plastic baggie; flatten each ball into a disk inside the baggie and stash in the fridge to chill overnight (or at least for several hours).
Step 6: When you are ready to bake: set out a few cookie sheets and line them with baking paper.
Step 7: Let the chilled dough rest at room temperature while the oven preheats to 350F; you want it to still be fairly firm, but this will help the dough roll a bit easier.
Step 8: On a floured surface, roll out the dough as thin as you prefer (bear in mind the thickness will determine how long to bake the cookies once cut).
Step 9: Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and place on the lined pans; bake for 8-12 minutes.
Step 10: Carefully remove to wire racks to cool completely before decorating as desired.