1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the molasses and egg until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
6. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Place the balls on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Variations & Tips
For a touch of holiday cheer, you can add a sprinkle of granulated sugar on top of the dough balls before baking. If you prefer a softer cookie, try reducing the baking time slightly. Adding a bit of orange zest to the dough can give these cookies a refreshing twist. Don’t be afraid to experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or swapping out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to give a heartier texture.