Melt butter. Remove from heat and cool.

Sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and ginger.

Combine melted butter, 2 cups sugar, molasses and eggs. Beat well.

When smooth and thick, add flour mixture, one cup at a time. When dough is well blended, cover and chill at least 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375. Roll dough into small balls, using about 1 1/2 teaspoons for each. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup sugar and place 2 inhes apart on ungreased cookie sheeet. Bake about 10 minutes, until cookie is dark, golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool about 2 minutes before removing from pan to wire rack.