Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar, butter, and vanilla, about 1 minute.

Add eggs, one at a time, and mix until well combined. Reduce speed to low and add the dry ingredients. Mix for 45 seconds.

Chill dough for 15-20 minutes.

Roll dough, about 2 tablespoons each, into a ball. Roll dough ball into the sanding sugar. (To make this step go faster, I use a cookie scoop.)

Place coated dough ball onto prepared baking sheet. Be sure to space cookies about 2 inches apart. Flatten cookies very slightly with the palm of your hand.

Bake cookies, about 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

Remove cookies from the oven and allow to cool for 3 minutes on the baking sheet. After 3 minutes, transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. Store cookies in an airtight container.