In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla. Mix until incorporated, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl in between mixing.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the mixing bowl, and stir to combine. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line sheet pans with parchment paper.
Roll the dough into 1 1/2- 2 inch balls and roll in the sugar. Place on sheet pan 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Cool on sheet pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.