Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and molasses.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.