Combine flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl beat margarine, butter, or shortening with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds to soften. Gradually add the 1 cup sugar. Beat until fluffy. Add egg and molasses; beat well. Stir dry ingredients into beaten mixture.
Shape into 1½ inch balls (1 heaping tablespoon dough each). Roll in the 2 tablespoons of sugar and place on an ungreased cookie sheet about 2 ½ inches apart.
Bake in a 350 degree oven about 10 minutes or until light brown and still puffed. (Do not overcook). Let stand for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cool.
Recipe by Cute As A Fox at https://www.cuteasafox.com/2015/11/soft-ginger-cookies.html