In a large bowl beat butter, brown sugar and molasses until creamy
Add egg and vanilla and beat until fluffy (approximately 2 minutes)
In a different bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon and cloves
Add dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix until gently combined
Divide dough into half, flatten each piece into a disc shape and wrap tightly with plastic wrap
Chill 2-3 hours or overnight
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll out one disc of dough at a time on a floured surface until 1/4 inch thick.
Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
Reroll and repeat until all dough is used.
Bake for 9-10 minutes.
Cool on pan for 5 minutes and then move to a cooling rack.
Once completely cooled, decorate with any of the optional suggestions or something else of your choosing.