Preheat to 350°F, and line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
Combine sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, gingers, vanilla, pepper, butter and molasses. Mix / beat until fluffy, pale tan, and soft. Add egg and beat until smooth. Mix in flour until a soft dough is formed.
Scoop dough into 1 T balls. Roll smooth and round, tumble in a dish with raw or granulated sugar, and arrange on prepared sheet pans, leaving 2 inches in between. Do not flatten, these cookies will spread on their own.
Bake for 15 minutes or until puffed and brown. Do NOT remove from pan immediately - leave on pan until cool.