Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line one and a half 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners.
In medium mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the molasses to the butter mixture and beat to combine.
Next, add the egg and beat to combine.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the batter, mixing between each addition.
Lastly, stir in the hot water.
Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean.