In small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, & ginger; set aside. In medium bowl, with electric mixer* on low speed, blend together the melted butter, 1 cup sugar, and egg until smooth. Stir in molasses. With mixer on low speed*, gradually add flour mixture to molasses mixture; mix until completely combined. Cover and chill dough in refrigerator for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough into walnut sized balls (use cookie scoop, if available); roll each ball in remaining sugar. Place 2 inches apart on parchment lined baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes just until tops are cracked all over, but cookies are still a bit gooey inside the center cracks. Cool on wire racks.
*In place of electric mixer, dough can be mixed thoroughly by hand with a spoon.
Original recipe by Melissa and Michelle King; adapted from All Recipes and memories of Grandma Marie's cookies.
****Note: Even though I forgot the baking soda, these cookies came out really well! LOL