Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add egg, molasses, and vanilla; mix well.
Combine dry ingredients with wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Chill dough for 30 minutes for best texture.
Roll tablespoon-sized balls in sugar and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges set and tops crackle. Cool before serving.
