Preheat oven to 350° F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon mats.
Melt shortening in a saucepan over medium heat, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt.
In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix melted shortening, 1 cup (200 grams) sugar, molasses, egg, and baking soda until combined.
Add dry ingredients to molasses mixture and mix until just combined. Remove bowl from mixer and mix by hand for a couple of turns to make sure everything is incorporated.
Scoop dough with a medium food disher (#40 or about 1½ tablespoons) and roll into balls with your hands. Pour about 3 tablespoons granulated sugar into a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in sugar and place on lined baking sheets.
Bake 11-13 minutes. Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.