Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
Beat shortening and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy. Add the egg and molasses, and beat again until well-combined. Add flour mixture, and mix on low speed just until incorporated.
Scoop the dough into balls about 1-inch in diameter, and roll each gently between your palms to smooth it out. Place a small amount of sugar in a small, shallow dish. Roll each ball in the sugar before placing on the baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, then allow to cool on the sheets for about 10 minutes before removing to wire racks.
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Notes
You can sub room temperature butter for all or part of the shortening, but I like to use at least 1/4 cup of shortening because it helps the cookies hold their shape.
If you want flatter, thinner cookies, just press the dough balls down slightly with a drinking glass before baking.
Cookies will keep well at room temperature for about 4 days. The dough balls can be frozen, as well. Bake them straight from frozen just as directed, adding just 1-2 minutes to the bake time.