In a large bowl, whip together sugar, butter, molasses, egg, and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon until dough comes together. Wrap well and refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Roll cookie dough into 1-inch balls and roll in sugar to coat. Arrange on rimmed baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.