Step 1: Prepare the Gingerbread Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
3. Add the molasses and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

Step 2: Roll the Cake

1. While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and generously dust it with powdered sugar.
2. Once the cake is baked, immediately turn it out onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
3. Starting from one short end, gently roll the warm cake and towel together into a spiral. Place the rolled cake on a wire rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.

Step 3: Make the Sugar Cookie Buttercream

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated.
3. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar or cream if needed.

Step 4: Fill and Assemble the Roll

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it. Spread the sugar cookie buttercream evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
2. Gently roll the cake back up without the towel, making sure the spiral stays tight. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Before serving, dust the roll with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Garnish with mini gingerbread cookies or holiday sprinkles if desired. Slice into 10 even pieces and serve chilled or at room temperature.