Beat butter and sugar creamy; add molasses and egg. Whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.

Mix dry into butter just until combined. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour, additional to listed active time.

Heat oven to 350°F; line two sheets. Form 24 balls; roll in granulated sugar, then thick powdered sugar layer.

Bake one sheet at a time 11 to 12 minutes until white tops split into brown cracks, rims set, and centers soft.

Cool on sheets 5 minutes; rack-cool completely before packing.