Johanna's Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients

• 0.3 teaspoon baking soda 
• 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
• 0.5 cup butter softened
• 2 large eggs 
• 4.5 cups flour all-purpose
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger 
• 0.8 cup blackstrap molasses 

Equipment

• bowl
• oven
• mixing bowl
• plastic wrap

Directions

1. Sift the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and baking soda in a bowl.
2. In a large mixing bowl, blend the butter and brown sugar until combined.
3. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and then the molasses. Slowly add the flour mixture.
4. Mix well after each addition of flour. The dough will be stiff.
5. Divide dough in half, flatten into 2 thick circles and wrap in plastic wrap.
6. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm enough to roll out.
7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
8. Roll out, cut into desired shapes and bake until golden brown.