Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

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

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar to coat.

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.

Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.