Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt.
  3. In a shallow bowl, place 1/2 cup sugar; set aside.
  4. With an electric mixer, beat butter and remaining 1 cup of sugar until combined. Beat in egg and then molasses until incorporated.
  5. Reduce speed to low; gradually mix in dry ingredients, *just* until a dough forms.
  6. Pinch off and roll dough into 1" balls. Roll balls in the reserved sugar to coat.
  7. Arrange balls on parchment lined baking sheets, about 3 inches apart. Bake, one sheet at a time, until edges are just firm and top of cookies have a "crackle" effect, 10 to 15 minutes.
  8. Cool cookies 1 minute on baking sheets; transfer to racks to cool completely.