Mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt and cayenne together.
Beat the butter in a mixing bowl until fluffy.
Add brown sugar and 1/2 cup sugar and blend.
Add the molasses and then the egg whites 1/2 at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition.
Add the flour mixture 1/3 at a time and combine well after each addition.
Spread 4 tablespoons of sugar on a small plate. Shape the dough into 3/4 inch balls and roll in the sugar until lightly coated. Arrange the balls 1 inch apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until nicely browned. Cool on the cookie sheet for two minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
*A helpful hint from the JL -- use pretty crystal glasses, dampened with water to press into the dough for pretty, decorative designs on your cookies.