Follow these simple steps to create your Classic Gingerbread Cookies With Peppermint Bark:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

3. Add Molasses and Egg: Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together.

5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.

8. Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

10. Add Peppermint Bark: Once cooled, melt the peppermint bark and drizzle it over the cookies or dip the tops into the melted bark. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies while the bark is still warm.