4 c. flour
2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. butter, softened
1 1/4 c. sugar, divided
1 c. dark molasses

Mix flour, cocoa, baking soda, spices and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl beat butter and 1 cup sugar with electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in molasses. With mixer on low speed gradually add flour mixture and beat just until blended. Divide dough in half. Pat each half into a flattened 1 inch thick round. Wrap and chill 1 hour or until dough is firm enough to shape. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease cookie sheets. Form tablespoonfuls of dough into 1 inch balls, and roll in remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Place 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake 10 minutes or until evenly browned. Do not overbake. Cool on cookie sheet 1 minute before removing to rack to cool completely. Store tightly covered.