Classic Gingerbread Cookies: A Heartwarming Holiday Dessert

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup unsulfured molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 egg whites or 4 tablespoons meringue powder (for royal icing)
• 3 cups powdered sugar (for royal icing)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar (for royal icing)