Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Using a hand mixer, beat the melted shortening, sugar, and molasses together in a large bowl for 3 minutes.
1½ cups vegetable shortening, 2 cups granulated sugar, ¼ cup unsulphured molasses
Add the eggs and beat until well blended, about 2 minutes
2 large eggs
Combine all dry ingredients together in a medium bowl.
4 cups all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Add the dry ingredients to the shortening/sugar mixture and beat until thoroughly blended.
Let the cookie dough stand for 5-10 minutes.
Roll into balls, then roll the balls into additional sugar (optional - my family prefers these without the sugar on top).
Place onto parchment-covered cookie sheets 3 inches apart and bake for 10-11 minutes, or until firm around the edges but not completely set.
Place cookies on a cooling rack to cool completely.