1/2 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg
3/4 c. light molasses
3 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Cream butter and sugar; beat in egg and molasses. Blend in remaining ingredients. Cover and chill several hours or overnight. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough 1/4" thick on floured cloth-covered board. Cut with gingerbread boy cookie cutter. Place 1" apart on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly; remove to rack. When thoroughly cool, decorate with decorator icing. Makes 2 1/2 dozen.