Directions

1. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, then add the molasses.
   
2. Add the egg and stir.
   
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, ground cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Then combine with the butter/sugar mixture and mix well until a dough forms. Chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
   
4. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough until it reaches a thickness of about ¼-inch.
   
5. Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out the gingerbread men. (Re-roll the leftover dough each time in order to cut out more men.)
   
6. Place the gingerbread men on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in a 350-degree oven for 8 to 9 minutes. Let the cookies cool completely.
   
7. Use the icing to pipe an outline around the gingerbread men€.
   
8. Draw faces or clothing.
   
9. Add sprinkles as decorations, such as buttons.
   
10. Use varying colors of icing to create your desired effect.
    
11. Use more sprinkles for eyes, if you wish.
    
12. Place the completed gingerbread men (and women!) on paper towels as the icing sets and dries completely.
    
13. Enjoy!