Directions

1. Mix 1 cup sugar, margarine, and egg together in a medium bowl until smooth; stir in molasses.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves, and ginger in a separate medium bowl; add to the molasses mixture and stir until well combined. Cover and chill dough for 1 hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
4. While the oven is preheating, roll dough into 1-inch diameter balls; roll each ball in remaining ½ cup white sugar before placing 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Bake in batches in the preheated oven until tops are cracked, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.