Beat the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Beat in the egg and molasses until well blended.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and spices; stir or whisk to blend.

Add the dry ingredients to the first mixture and stir until blended. 

Chill the molasses cookie dough for 1 hour.

Heat the oven to 350 F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Shape the dough into small 3/4-inch balls and roll them in the sparkling or granulated sugar. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them.

Bake the cookies for 8 to 11 minutes or until set. 

Cool in the pan on a rack for 2 minutes, then remove the cookies to a rack to cool completely.