In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix in the molasses and the vanilla extract.

In another bowl, combine the remaining ingredients then add the flour mixture to the butter mixture a little at a time, stirring well each time. Cover the dough and chill for at least 2 hours.

Heat the oven to 350 F. On a floured surface, roll the dough flat to a thickness. Cut out letters. Bake cookies on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cookies are set. Frost with cream cheese frosting.