Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a bowl.
Cream softened butter with brown sugar and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Beat in the egg and vanilla. Mix in molasses until smooth and glossy.
Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low just until a soft dough forms.
Chill dough 15–20 minutes to firm slightly for easier rolling.
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons dough per cookie and roll into smooth balls.
Roll each ball in the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar to coat.
Arrange on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges set and tops crackle.
Cool on the sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.