Step 1 In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, until each is incorporated. Add in the molasses and vanilla.
Step 2 In a separate large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and ginger.
Step 3With the mixer running, begin adding the dry ingredients, a little at a time, until fully incorporated to form a dough. Cover and refrigerate for one hour.
Step 4Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Use an ice cream scoop to scoop the dough into balls. Roll each ball in the coarse sugar, then place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving 3 inches between each cookie.
Step 5Bake the cookies until lightly golden and set, 10 to 12 minutes, rotating halfway through for even coloring. Cool the cookies, then store in an airtight container.