Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a mixing bowl, stir together gluten free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.

In a second bowl, mix brown sugar, shortening, molasses and vanilla.

Add flour mixture to brown sugar mixture and stir until mixed. Add 1 tablespoon of applesauce. If dough is dry, add a second. Otherwise, just use 1.

Divide the dough into 12 pieces and roll each piece into a ball.

Place the balls about 2 ½ inches apart on parchment lined baking sheets and press tops down slightly.

Sprinkle tops with sparkly sugar. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool for 2 minute on sheet, then transfer to wire rack to cool.