Preparation
Combine flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 sec to soften. Gradually add the 1 cup sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg and molasses; beat well. Stir dry ingredients into beaten mixture, the dough will be very soft, but sometimes you can add an extra 1/4 c of flour to stiffen it up a little more, even after that the dough is still soft. Shape into 1 1/2" balls, 1 heaping tbsp dough each. Roll in the 2 tbsp sugar and place on an ungreased cookie sheet, about 2 1/2" apart. Slightly flatten the ball. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned and still puffed, do not overbake. Let stand for 2 minutes before transferring them to cool.