Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper in a bowl.
Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Beat in egg, vanilla, and molasses until smooth and glossy.
Stir the dry mixture into the wet just until combined. Do not overmix.
Chill dough 15 minutes to firm slightly for easier rolling.
Scoop tablespoon portions, roll into balls, then coat in the remaining sugar.
Arrange 2 inches apart and bake 9 to 11 minutes, until edges set and tops crackle.
Cool on the sheet 5 minutes, then move to a rack to finish cooling.