Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, baking soda, and salt.

Cream butter and sugar
Using an electric mixer set to medium speed, cream the butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes. Then, add the molasses and egg, and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated, roughly 1 minute.

Combine
Lower mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour-spice mixture until a smooth dough forms.

Chill dough
Divide dough into four equal portions. Shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill until firm (at least 2 hours, or overnight for convenience).

Roll and cut
Soften one disk slightly; on a floured surface, roll to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into gingerbread men shapes. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to retain shape. Repeat with remaining dough.

Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies until crisp and edges just begin to brown, about 10–15 minutes. Cool completely on wire racks.

Decorate
Decorate with royal icing to bring your spooky voodoo characters to life — think stitched limbs, eerie hearts, haunting eyes, and other creepy details. Let the icing set for about 30 minutes before serving.