Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, beat the butter, 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar, and the brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Mix in the molasses and egg until well combined.

Add the salt, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and flour to the bowl, and beat until the dough comes together.

Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar into a shallow dish. Form the dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls, roll them in the sugar to coat, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced apart to allow for spreading.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and the surface is crackled.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.