For the cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon allspice
¼ teaspoon salt
For the spiced sugar:
¼ cup white sugar
Seeds of 1 vanilla bean
1 teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon cardamom
1 tablespoon coarse sparkling sugar
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Grease a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a whisk or electric mixer until fully blended.
Add eggs one at a time to the bowl, constantly whisking until combined. Add vanilla extract and stir.
In another mixing bowl, combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, allspice and salt. Whisk until blended.
Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, and mix until combined and a dough forms.
Using your hands or two teaspoons, roll dough into 1-inch balls.
In a small mixing bowl, combine all of the spiced sugar ingredients until well blended.
Roll each dough ball in the spiced sugar mix, and place on the baking sheet in a single layer. Press the dough down slightly.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and allow to bake until cookies firm up a bit and are slightly browned on the edges, about 8-10 mins.
Remove cookies from the oven and place on a baking rack to cool. Serve warm individually, or place on a large platter.
Tip: Put a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two of these cookies for a fantastic ice cream sandwich!
Tip: Decorate with colored sparkling sugar.
