• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, or spray with nonstick cooking spray, or use a nonstick pan.
• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix to combine. Set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla and mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure everything is blended.
• Add the flour mixture and mix until just blended.

To Make Regular Cookies

• Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop the dough from the bowl and shape into rounds, slighter smaller than a golf ball (about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of cookie dough per cookie).
• Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar to coat all sides.
• Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until dry around the edges and the top of the cookies are slightly cracked. Baking time will depend on the size of your cookies. I used a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, and my cookies were ready at 9 minutes.
• Cool the cookies on the baking sheet, on a wire rack, for 5 minutes, then transfer to the rack to cool completely.

To Make Gingerbread People

• Prepare the cookie dough as directed and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Working on a floured surface, roll the dough out until ¼-inch-thick.
• Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into desired shapes (people, stars, hearts, trees, whatever you wish).
• Transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until dry and golden around the edges. Baking time will depend on size and thickness of your cut-outs.
• Cool completely before decorating. I suggest decorating with royal icing, and the store-bought variety works just fine.