Thick and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies

Combine 1 cup brown sugar and 1 cup unsalted butter in a standing mixer with the paddle attachment. Mix until combined, then turn the mixer on high and beat on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until lighter in color and fluffy in texture.
Fold in 3 eggs & 1 teaspoon vanilla
Add in 3/4 cup molasses and mix until combined
In a separate bowl combine all the dry ingredients (4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons soda, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg)
Turn the standing mixer on low and slowly pour in the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together. Stop as soon as it comes together. You do not want to over-mix.
Pour the cookie dough out onto a parchment paper, cover the dough with plastic wrap, use a rolling pin to roll out about 1/4 inch thick. Place the rolled-out dough onto a cookie sheet and into the fridge to rest for 1-3 hours
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Remove the dough from the fridge and cut out shapes with a cookie cutter, place on a light metal colored cookie sheet lined with parchment paper
Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cookies no longer look shiny
Leave on the pan for 10 minutes before removing to finish cooling.
Remove and enjoy! I love topping with cream cheese frosting.