Step 1

In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy; about 3 minutes. Add in egg, vanilla and molasses and mix until fully combined.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cloves, cinnamon and ginger. Slowly add dry ingredients to the shortening mixture and mix until just combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 3

When you're ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 375 °F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 4

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) roll dough into balls and then roll into the granulated sugar to coat. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake cookies in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 3 minutes before removing the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.