Gingerbread Cookies

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1. 1Step 1: In a large bowl, gently stir together flour, baking powder, and all spices. Set aside.
2. 2Step 2: In the bowl of your electric mixer (or other large bowl), beat butter until smooth. Add brown sugar, molasses, eggs and vanilla.
3. 3Step 3: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until they are fully incorporated.
4. 4Step 4: Divide the dough into 3 pieces, and flatten into rounded disk (about 1 1/2 inches thick). Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
5. 5Step 5: When dough has chilled, preheat oven to 350*F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to desired thickness (1/4- 1/2 inch thick). Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies at least 1 inch apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat type liner. If the dough is too sticky or soft to work with, put it in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes to firm up.
6. 6Step 6: Bake for 9-12 minutes (depending on the size of cookies). Cool slightly on cookie sheet, then move to a cooling rack to cool completely.
7. 7Step 7: Frost with royal icing, if desired.