1-First Step: Gather all your ingredients and tools, like a mixing bowl, electric mixer, and baking sheets lined with parchment paper. This mise en place helps everything run smoothly, ensuring your frosted gingerbread cookies come out just right, and you can adapt by using gluten-free flour if needed.

2-Second Step: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This step blends the dry ingredients evenly, setting the foundation for the spicy flavor in your easy frosted gingerbread cookies recipe while allowing for swaps like almond flour for a nuttier twist.

3-Third Step: In a large bowl, beat the 3/4 cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the 1 large egg and 1/4 cup molasses, mixing until fully combined for a smooth dough that captures the essence of holiday gingerbread cookies.

4-Fourth Step: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring on low speed until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes, which is great for busy parents looking to manage their holiday baking time efficiently.

5-Fifth Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, then let them cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for the best texture in your simple gingerbread cookies for holidays.

6-Sixth Step: While the cookies cool completely, prepare the frosting by beating 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. For a lighter option, use a plant-based cream cheese to make these frosted gingerbread cookies suitable for vegans.

7-Final Step: Spread the frosting generously on each cooled cookie and let it set for about 15 minutes. Serve them fresh with a glass of milk or pack them for gifting, and feel free to add sprinkles for extra holiday flair, making your frosted gingerbread cookies for Christmas a hit at any gathering. This entire process should take around 45 minutes of active time, perfect for working professionals squeezing in some fun baking.