These gingerbread cookies are sturdy and will hold up to being hung on the Christmas tree. You can add ¼ teaspoon of almond extract for a richer flavor.

INGREDIENTS | YIELDS 36 COOKIES

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup Grandma’s molasses
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• Royal Icing

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. Cream butter, brown sugar, egg, and molasses.

3. Combine dry ingredients; add to butter mixture. You may need to use a dough hook to mix it; this is very stiff dough.

4. Roll dough out; cut into desired shapes. Make holes in top with straws. Bake 6–8 minutes.

5. Decorate as desired with Royal Icing; allow to dry. Thread a ribbon through hole in top and hang on Christmas tree.