Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy and well-combined.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, brewed espresso, and molasses to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Lightly sprinkle sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Arrange the cookies on a festive platter and dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Serve with a steaming cup of espresso or a frothy latte on the side.