1. In a medium size bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt together. Set aside.

2. In a mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar together on high speed until creamy. Add the molasses, egg and vanilla and beat again until combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.

3. Add the dry ingredients a little at a time and mix on low after each addition. Wrap dough in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

4. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or Silpat. Using a cookie scoop of spoon, spoon cookie dough and then roll into balls. (about 2 inch).

5. Roll each ball into the sugar until covered. Place on baking sheet and slightly push down to flatten the ball just a little bit.

6. Bake for 11-12 minutes, tops should look like they are starting to crack. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.