1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Melt the butter and mix it with brown sugar and molasses until smooth.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, then stir until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.
6. If using add-ins like white chocolate chips, fold them into the dough.
7. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting or cutting.
10. If desired, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars.
11. Cut into squares or rectangles for serving.
12. Enjoy fresh, or store in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for later use.