Gather ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, unsalted butter, brown sugar, molasses, egg, and vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350°F
Line baking sheets with parchment paper
Whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt
Cream butter and brown sugar until smooth
Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients
Stir until a dough forms
Divide the dough into two portions
Wrap and chill the dough for at least 1 hour
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface
Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters
Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes
Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely
Decorate with icing if desired