Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Set 2 tablespoons of sugar in a small bowl and set it aside.

Step 2

In another bowl, sift together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.

Step 3

In a separate large bowl, cream the softened margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses and water.

Step 4

Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture until well combined.

Step 5

Use floured hands to shape the dough into 24 walnut-sized balls. Roll each ball in the reserved sugar until coated.

Step 6

Place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass.

Step 7

Bake them in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, switching racks halfway through.

Step 8

Remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!