Sugar for rolling Preheat oven to 350F. Into a medium bowl, sift together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In a large bowl with electric mixer, beat shortening until soft, 1 minute. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses until well-blended. Stir in flour mixture until completely mixed. Place a little sugar in a medium bowl. Scoop out heaping teaspoonfuls of mixture. Using your palms, roll into 3/4-inch balls and drop into the sugar. Roll to cover the surgace completely; then place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until cookies are slightly rounded and tops appear lightly browned and crackles. Remove baking sheets to wire racks to cool slightly. The, using a metal pancake turner or palette knife, remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat with remaining cookie dough and sugar. Store in airtight containers.