1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup softened butter
3 tablespoons molasses
1 egg
2 tablespoons water
3 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Combine sugar, butter and molasses till light and fluffy. Add egg and water and mix well. Stir in all remaining ingredients. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour. Heat oven to 350°F. Roll 1/3 of dough at a time out on floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut with floured 2 1/2 inch cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes till set. Immediately remove from sheets to racks to cool completely.