Begin by whisking together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Mix them well so the spices are evenly spread, this step gives your cookies that warm, cozy aroma that makes your kitchen instantly festive.

Beat the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and molasses in a large bowl until the mixture turns light and creamy. The scent will fill your kitchen with that classic holiday vibe. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing just until everything comes together. Don’t forget to scrape the sides of the bowl a couple of times so nothing gets left behind, it keeps the dough smooth and consistent.

Gently blend the dry mixture into the wet, stopping as soon as everything is combined. Form the dough into two discs, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let them chill for several hours. Chilling not only makes rolling easier but also gives the flavors a chance to develop.

When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the dough rest for a few minutes so it’s easier to handle. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one disc to roughly ¼-inch thick. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters, gingerbread men, stars, or anything that sparks joy. If the dough sticks to your rolling pin, lightly dust a little flour underneath to keep it moving. Reroll scraps for more cookies, nothing goes to waste!

Place your cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for about 10 minutes. You want soft centers with slightly firmer edges, so keep an eye on them. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack, this helps them firm up without breaking.

While the cookies are cooling, whip up the frosting by beating butter, powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add the milk slowly to get the perfect consistency, spreadable but not too runny. If it feels stiff, just a tiny extra splash of milk does the trick.

Finally, decorate! Spread the frosting, sprinkle on your festive toppings, or get creative with patterns. There’s no right or wrong here, just have fun and make them yours.