In a bowl with a mixer, cream together butter, shortening, sugar, and egg.
Sift flour, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Add dry ingredients to creamed butter and blend well. Add molasses and blend thoroughly. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll chilled dough into 3/4 inch balls and roll in white sugar. Place balls about 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 min. Cool on wire racks. Makes 7 dozen. Enjoy!