1. In a small bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda , salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves

2. In a large bowl beat together butter, brown sugar, and egg

3. Add molasses, vanilla, and lemon zest and continue to mix

4. Gradually stir in dry ingredients until blended and smooth

5. Divide dough in half and wrap each in plastic wrap and let stand for 2-8 hours (Dough can last up to 4 days in the fridge)

6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees celsius and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or grease

7. Place one portion of dough on lightly floured surface and sprinkle over dough and rolling pin

8. Roll dough out to about 1/4 inch thick (use additional flour)

9. Cut out cookies with your desired cutter and lay them on a prepared cookie sheet 1 1/2 inches apart 

10. Bake one sheet at a time for 7-10 minutes (lower time gives you softer cookies)

11. After cooled it's time to decorate with a sugar glaze or royal icing