Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Measure out 1 cup of sugar. Separate 3 tablespoons out of the cup and place in a smaller bowl for rolling.
In a large bowl mix the flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, clove, and salt together. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream the butter and the larger amount of sugar together on high until light and fluffy, 3-5 minutes. Scrape the bowl with a spatula, then beat in the molasses and egg. Turn the mixer on low and slowly add in the dry mixture. Scrape the bowl and bet until smooth.
Roll the dough into 1 tablespoon balls. Roll each ball in sugar and place on baking sheets two inches apart. Bake for 9-10 minutes.
Cool completely on the baking sheets before moving.