Heat oven to 350 degrees F. In mixer bowl, beat together butter, 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar and the brown sugar until creamy. Add molasses and egg; beat well. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cardamom, cloves, salt and pepper. Add to butter mixture, mixing just until dry ingredients are incorporated. Mix in dried plums. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour or until dough is slightly firm. Shape dough into 36 (1-inch) balls. Roll balls in remaining 1/2 cup sugar to coat. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until cookies are just set. Let cool slightly on baking sheets and then remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Courtesy of The California Dried Plum Board.