Preheat the oven to 190 °C (375 °F).
In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup flour, brown sugar, shortening, molasses, egg, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined. Stir in remaining 1 1/4 cups flour.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll them in white sugar.
Place the sugar-coated balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until set with crackled tops.
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