Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves; stir into the molasses mixture.
Roll out dough on lightly floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.