Beat shortening with an electric mixer for 3O seconds. Add baking powder, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and cloves; beat until combined well.
Add molasses, vinegar, and egg; beat until well combined. Beat in half the flour then stir the rest in with a wooden spoon. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or until dough is no longer sticky.
Roll the dough onto lightly floured surface until 1/4" thick. Use cookie cutters to make shapes and place on greased cookies sheets.
Bake 6-7 minutes at 375°. (I turned it down to 350° because my oven gets a little hotter than most.) Allow to cool before frosting and decorating.