In a large mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, molasses, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended, then incorporate salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and whole egg until smooth.

In a separate bowl, combine baking soda with all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if needed.

Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

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

Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out gingerbread men shapes.

Transfer shapes to lined baking sheets and bake for 7-8 minutes until edges are golden and centers remain soft.

Cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prepare icing by whisking powdered sugar with milk until smooth, then decorate cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles.