Such a classic cookie! In my opinion, it's definitely important to have a good ginger molasses cookie recipe in your bag of tricks.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter and the brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and molasses and mix in until combined.
Add the flour, spices, and baking soda and mix until a ball of dough forms.
Place the white sugar in a small bowl. Roll about 1.5 tbsp of dough into a ball, flatten it slightly, then roll it in the sugar on all sides. Repeat until you've used up all the dough. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silpat, about 1.5 inches apart.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes, until the tops are cracked and the bottoms have just browned.