Sift the dry ingredients into a bowl.
With a standing mixer using the paddle attachment OR by hand, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla, and molasses, beating until combined.
Gradually add the flour to the butter, beating until combined.
Divide the dough in half and form into 2 disks. Refrigerate in plastic wrap or parchment paper for 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or silpats.
On a lightly floured surface OR between 2 pieces of parchment paper, roll out one of the disks until it’s 1/4 thick all around.
Cut out cookies with different shapes (gingerbread men, stars, christmas tree, etc) and using a spatula transfer cookie to the baking sheet.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes.
Remove to a cooling rack. Decorate the cookies after they have cooled.