Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper (if making cookies).

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
5. If making cookies, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, or roll into balls and flatten slightly for round cookies.
6. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. If making a gingerbread cake: Pour the dough into a greased 9-inch round or square cake pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, you can decorate the cookies or cake with the icing. To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cookies or spread on the cake.