Heat the oven to 180oc.
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pepper and salt.
Beat the vegetable shortening and sugar until fluffy for two to three minutes then add the egg, molasses and vanilla.
Add the flour mixture in batches until combined but do not over mix.
Place the granulated sugar on a plate.
Roll ice cream scoop portions of the mixture into balls then roll in the sugar on the plate and place onto a lined baking sheet.
Leave generous spacing between each cookie for spreading.
Using a measuring cup or glass press down the cookies then sprinkle with a little more sugar.
Cook for around 10-12 minutes then remove from the oven. Leave to cool on the tray for a few minutes then transfer to a wire cooling rack