In a medium bowl, sift flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt together; set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and one cup sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg, then stir in water and molasses.
Fold in flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt and mix until well combined.
Fold in white chocolate chips.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls, roll in sugar and place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 7-10 minutes.
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to wire rack.
Notes
While you definitely do not have to use white chocolate chips, they add a depth of flavor to these cookies, and of course, chocolate (enough said). However, you can also switch them out for your favorite chocolate chips, or omit them altogether.