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.
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.