In a saucepan place butter, brown sugar and molasses. Place on stovetop over medium heat. Stir until melted and blended well. (stir frequently this isn't the kind of thing you can leave simmering on the stove it goes fairly fast)

Take off heat and let the mixture cool. This takes at least an hour.

Mix together dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Combine dry and wet ingredients and then add in 1 beaten egg and 1 1/2 tsp vanilla. Mix well. If it seems dry add an additional egg.

Gather the dough into a big ball and then cover in saran wrap and place in the fridge for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 F

While oven is heating roll out to 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick and cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Place lightly greased cookie sheets.

Place in oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes (depends on how thick you rolled them out. The thicker the cookie the longer it takes to bake)