Ingredients:
3 cups plain flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground star anise
OR
1 tsp mixed spices (contains all four of the above)
250g (1 cup) butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence
Method:
1. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and spices into a large bowl.
2. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until it becomes pale in colour and fluffy in texture. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until combine.
3. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until it is all combined.
4. Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to one hour. This will make it firm up a bit.
5. Preheat the oven to 200 deg C (400 deg F).
6. Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls (about 2cm). Sprinkle with additional sugar and flatten slightly. Place on a lined baking sheet about 4cm apart.
7. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, until lightly browned (be careful, they may brown quickly after this).
8. Cool on the tray for a minute before placing on wire racks to cool completely.
Note: They keep for up to 1 week in an airtight container.