Spiced Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, mix together butter and sugar until just combined. Mix in the vanilla.

Step 2: Mix together flour, salt and spices. With the stand mixer on low, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until dough starts to form.

Step 3: Place the dough on 2 sheets of parchment paper and shape the dough into two 8-inch logs. Twist or fold over the ends of the paper and insert the logs into used paper towel tubes to hold the shape. Place the tubes in the freezer. The dough will keep for about a month.

Step 4: Baking the cookies: Preheat oven to 375°F. Unwrap the dough and cut it into 1/2-inch rounds. Place parchment paper on your baking sheet and place the dough 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the edges begin to brown.

Step 6: Makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies

Step 7: NOTES: You can bake as many cookies you need and return the dough back into the tube to continue freezing. When the cookies are done baking, do not touch them. Remove them from the oven and let them sit for about 3 minutes. Use a spatula to transfer them to a cooling rack, which helps them keep their shape.