Preheat oven to 375° F (190° C)
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together butter and granulated sugar. Add the molasses and eggs; whip until light and fluffy
Sift all of the dry ingredients together into a large bowl. Then use add the dry ingredients 1 cup at a time into the molasses mixture. Mix on low until thoroughly combined.
Separate dough into 2 pieces and wrap in waxed paper. Chill the dough for 3 hours or overnight.
On floured surface, roll out dough to ¼" (6.35 mm) thickness. Cut with cookie cutters.
Bake at 375° F (190° C) for 6-8 minutes. Watch the cookies carefully, you do not want to overbake. I remove mine from the oven when the tops appear solid and baked, but I don't wait for the cookie edges to brown.
Frost & decorate cookies with Royal Icing, if desired.