1-Follow these clear steps to make your gingerbread cookies. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This sets the stage for even baking and easy cleanup.

2-Next, in a large bowl, mix the softened butter and granulated sugar until they become light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the egg and unsulphured molasses, blending them in until fully combined for that signature gingerbread taste.

3-Mixing the Dough: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and dried ground ginger. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything forms a smooth dough. If you’re opting for stronger flavors, increase the cinnamon or ginger as needed.

4-Shape the dough into balls slightly smaller than a golf ball, and if you like, roll them in granulated sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch. Place these balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.

5-Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, then let them cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack. This simple process, with a prep time of 15 minutes and total time of 35 minutes, makes baking fun and efficient.