Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 3 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Beat sugar and butter together in a bowl using an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg until combined.

Whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt together in a separate bowl. Stir into butter mixture until just combined.

Roll dough into teaspoon-sized balls and place 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake 1 sheet at a time in the preheated oven until edges of cookies are firm, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.