Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a bowl.
Cream butter, brown sugar, and the 1/4 cup granulated sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Stir the dry mixture into the wet just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Cover and chill the dough until firm, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment.
Scoop tablespoon-size portions. Roll in granulated sugar, then coat in powdered sugar.
Arrange on sheets 2 inches apart. Bake 9–11 minutes, until set with crinkles.
Cool 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.