Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla, mixing well.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Use your gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm. Let cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
