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