Adjust the oven rack to the middle position.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grease a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, beat the butter, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and brown sugar.

Mix in the egg, vanilla, and molasses.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, and salt.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined. Avoid overmixing.

Roll 2 tablespoons of dough into a ball, then coat it with the remaining ¼ cup of sugar.

Place 6 cookies on the prepared sheet and flatten them to about ¼ inch thickness.

Bake one tray at a time for 9-10 minutes.

Repeat with the remaining cookie dough.

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until fluffy.

Sift in the powdered sugar and continue to beat.

Add vanilla and beat until the icing is fluffy, which takes about 1 minute.

Once the cookies are entirely cooled, pipe the icing in a circular pattern on top of the cookies or use a knife to spread the frosting.

Optionally, add festive sprinkles on the frosting.

Serve and enjoy!