Molasses Cookies

2 Cups sifted flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. powdered ginger
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 Cup butter, softened
1 Cup sugar
1/2 Cup molasses
1 egg yolk
1 egg, slightly beaten

Sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, and cinnamon. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Blend in the molasses and egg yolk. Gradually stir in the flour mixture and mix well. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 350°. Cut the dough into quarters and roll out one quarter at a time. If dough is crumbly, allow it to warm up slightly at room temp and knead it back together. Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness between sheets of wax paper or on a lightly-floured surface. Cut out the cookies using a lightly-floured cookie cutter. Place the cookies on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Brush with the slightly beaten egg. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly before removing from the cookie sheet.

Prep. time: 12 minutes plus chilling time
Baking time: 6-8 minutes per batch
Yield: 4-5 dozen medium-sized cut out cookies