Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 400˚. Whisk the flour, cream of tartar, 1/2 teaspoon each five-spice powder and cinnamon, the baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.
Beat the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time until combined. Beat in the vanilla, then reduce the speed to low and beat in the flour mixture until combined.
Mix the red sanding sugar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon each five-spice powder and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll the dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each), then roll them in the red sugar. Arrange 3 inches apart on 2 unlined baking sheets.
Bake, switching the pans halfway through, until the cookies spread, crackle in the centers and are lightly golden around the edges, 9 to 12 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes on the pans, then remove the cookies to racks to cool completely.
Tools You May Need
Photograph by Ralph Smith
Tools You May Need
Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off
these links.