Beat soft butter with sugar, add egg and vanilla and mix well
Add molasses and spices and mix well
Sift the dry ingredients in 2 parts over the butter mixture and integrate with a spatula
Make sure no floury spots remain
Cover and refrigerate until firm enough to roll
On a lightly floured surface roll the dough making sure it's not sticking
Cut out your favorite shapes
Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake as directed
They should be dry on top and puffy
Drizzle the icing with a fork (or decorate with a piping bag)
Store in airtight tins or cookie jars