Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp (2g) baking powder
  • 1 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt
  • 1 large (50g) egg
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) milk
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp (20g) molasses

Instructions:

  1. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the chilled butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Whisk the egg, milk, vanilla, and molasses together, then fold into the flour mixture until a stiff dough forms. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch (3mm). Use animal cutters to stamp out shapes.
  4. Place shapes on a parchment-lined sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges turn a pale golden-brown and the centers feel firm to the touch. Transfer immediately to a wire rack to cool completely.