Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 deg. Prepare baking sheets by lining with parchment paper.

• In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well blended.

• In a large bowl (Kitchen Aid's great for this) beat butter, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.

• Add vanilla and lemon zest and continue to mix until well blended. Gradually stir in dry ingredients until blended and smooth.

• Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic and let stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.

• Place 1 portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface.

• Sprinkle flour over dough and rolling pin.

• Roll dough to a scant 1/4-inch thick.

• Use additional flour to avoid sticking.

• Cut out cookies with desired cutter.

• Space cookies apart.

• Bake 1 sheet at a time for 7-10 minutes (the lower time will give you softer cookies-- very good!).

• Take the cookies out of the oven.

• After cookies are cool you may decorate them any way you like.

Good luck!