Preheat oven to 350°
In a large bowl beat together butter, sugar, and egg until light and fluffy. Best in molasses, corn syrup, and milk until blended.
Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, beating until well blended.
Shape dough into 1-½” balls and roll in sugar.
Place 3” apart on parchment paper lined baking sheets (air-bake work well) and bake 12-14 minutes. Do not over bake or cookies won’t be soft.
Cool 1-2 minutes on sheets before removing to racks to cool completely.