In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.
In a second bowl, mix brown sugar, vegetable oil, molasses, vanilla and drained apple sauce.
Add flour mixture to brown sugar mixture and stir until mixed. Using a tablespoon measure or a small scoop, scoop up dough. Place the mounds about 2 ½ inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet and sprinkle tops with sparkly sugar. Bake for about minutes. Let cool for 2 minute on sheet, then transfer to wire rack to cool.