Spiced Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions

1. Combine flour, cinnamon, cream of tartar, baking soda, ginger, cloves and salt in a bowl; set aside.
2. Using medium speed of an electric mixer, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy. Using low speed, beat in eggs and vanilla until blended.
3. Gradually beat in flour mixture just until combined. Gather dough into a ball; divide in half. Flatten each half into a disc shape. Wrap each disc with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 – 4 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F.
5. Remove one disc of dough from refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough 1/4 inch thick. Using a floured cookie cutter, cut dough into desired shapes. Place 1 inch apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Repeat procedure with remaining disc of dough.
6. Bake for 8 minutes or just until cookies are firm around edges. Let cookies stand for 5 minutes on baking sheets. Remove and cool cookies completely on racks.
7. Decorate, if desired. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 1 week. May be frozen for up to 3 months.