Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased.

Cream together shortening and sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Mix in the egg and molasses.

Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a separate bowl, then stir into the wet mixture to form dough. Knead the dough briefly until it forms a cohesive texture.

Divide the dough into six equal portions. Roll each portion into a log about 12 inches long. Place three logs on each cookie sheet.

Lightly wet the tops of the logs with water and sprinkle sugar evenly over them.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, then allow the cookies to cool briefly.

Slice the logs diagonally into 1-inch pieces using a knife or pizza cutter, then cool completely on a wire rack.