Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the shortening and sugar for 1-2 minutes.
Add molasses and egg and mix until combined. Scrape down the bowl with a silicone spatula.
In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, salt).
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in 2-3 portions, mixing after each addition.
In a separate bowl, add ½ cup of sugar (mix in colored sprinkles if desired).
Roll cookie dough into 1-inch balls and toss in sugar mixture, completely covering the cookie.
Place cookie dough balls on a greased baking sheet (or lined with parchment paper), leaving 1 inch on each side of the cookies.
Bake for 7-10 minutes or until cookies have just dropped and show minor cracking on top.
Remove from oven and let cookies rest for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
