Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda and salt. Set aside for later.

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl to the stand mixer, beat together the butter and brown sugar on high until smooth, about 3 minutes.

Add the egg, molasses and vanilla and continue beating on high until just blended, about 2 minutes. The dough will look a little strange and may appear that it is separating. This is completely expected and will change as you add the flour mixture.

Add the flour mixture slowly as you keep beating on high until a dough starts to form.

Split the dough in half and wrap each in plastic wrap. Place in the fridge to chill for an hour. This makes it easier to roll out.

Roll the chilled dough to a 1/4 inch thickness. Use the template and a knife to cut out the 2 shapes. You will need one of each shape to make 1 tree.