Gather all your ingredients, measure everything then set aside.

In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices, use a whisk to get rid of any lumps then set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla until smooth and fully incorporated.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. (This step helps the dough roll out smoothly and hold its shape while baking.)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes using your favorite cookie cutters and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are just set. Allow cookies to cool for ten minutes on the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.

Once cooled, feel free to add a simple vanilla icing or keep them plain — either way, they’re delicious.