Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine flour, baking soda, spices, and salt; set aside.
In another bowl, beat shortening for 30 seconds.
Add sugar and beat until fully blended, about 2 minutes.
Add molasses and egg. Beat until combined 1-2 minutes.
Add dry ingredients all at once.
Beat on low speed just until dry ingredients are moist.
Shape into 1 1/2-inch balls.
Dip each ball into cold water and shake off excess water.
Roll the wet ball in sugar. (For a lighter coating of sugar, don't dip in the water first).
Place dough balls 3 inches apart on a parchment paper-covered cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 11-14 minutes. (The cookie should be just a little underbaked when you take them out of the oven.)
Remove immediately from the cookie tray and place on cooling racks.
Store in an airtight container. These freeze well.