Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Beat in the light brown sugar until fully incorporated. Then, add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Step 6: In a small, shallow bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and an additional 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for rolling the cookies.
Step 7: Scoop the cookie dough by rounded tablespoons (about 1.5-2 tablespoons per cookie). Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms, then roll thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Step 8: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 9: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft and puffed. The cookies will crinkle beautifully as they bake.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade Molasses cookies recipe!