Gingerbread Snowflakes

Directions

1. 1
   Sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder into a large bowl.
2. 2
   Set aside.
3. 3
   Put butter and brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until fluffy.
4. 4
   Mix in spices and salt, then eggs and molasses.
5. 5
   Reduce speed to low.
6. 6
   Add flour mixture; mix until just combined.
7. 7
   Divide dough into three disks of equal size; wrap each in plastic.
8. 8
   Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
9. 9
   Preheat oven to 350.
10. 10
    Roll out dough on a lightly floured work surface.
11. 11
    Cut into snowflakes with a 7- inch snowflake-shape cookie cutter.
12. 12
    Space 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, and refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.
13. 13
    Bake cookies until crisp but not dark, 12 to 14 minutes (it only took me about 11 minutes, so be sure to check them often).
14. 14
    Let cool on sheets on wire racks.
15. 15
    If you decide to frost cookies: Put icing in a pastry bag fitted with a small plain round ti.
16. 16
    Pipe designs on snowflakes; immediately sprinkle with sanding sugar.
17. 17
    Let stand 5 minutes; tap off excess sugar.
18. 18
    Let icing set completely at room temperature, about 1 hour.
19. 19
    Store cookies between layers of parchment in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days.