Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 0.5 cup salted butter, 0.5 cup granulated sugar, and 0.5 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Mix in 1 large egg, 0.25 cup molasses, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well incorporated, about 1-2 minutes.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon ground ginger, adding nutmeg and cloves if desired.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Do not overmix.

Using a tablespoon measure, scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden while centers remain soft.

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prepare the frosting by beating together 8 oz cream cheese, 0.5 cup powdered sugar, 0.25 cup softened butter, 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth, adding milk as needed.

Once cookies are cooled, spread cream cheese frosting on each cookie and add festive decorations if desired.