Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Additional sugar for rolling

Directions

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In an electric mixer bowl, add butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape sides of bowl to make sure you blend thoroughly, then beat for about 15 seconds again. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until well blended and creamy. On low speed, gradually add flour mixture until well blended. Scrape sides of bowl, then beat once again for about 15 seconds.

Transfer dough to refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap and let cool in refrigerator for about one hour or until dough has become somewhat firm.

Preheat oven to 400° F. Pour about 1/3 cup of sugar (coarse raw is best) into a small bowl. Scoop dough into 1 1/4-inch balls, rolling thoroughly in sugar to coat entire surface. Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for about 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute, then remove to wire racks to cool.