Chai Sugar Cookies

CHAI SUGAR COOKIES
Adapted from Cooks Illustrated Magazine
Makes 2 dozen cookies.

Ingredients
2 1/4 c flour
1/2 t baking soda
1 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1 1/2 c sugar
1/3 c sugar, for rolling
2 oz cream cheese
1/4 t ground cinnamon
1/4 t ground cardamom
1/4 t ground ginger
1/4 t ground cloves
pinch of black pepper
6 T margarine, melted
1/3 c vegetable oil
1 egg
1 T milk
1 t vanilla

1. Preheat the oven to 350-degrees F.
2. Mix 1 1/2 c sugar and cream cheese.  (The cream cheese can still be lumpy.)
3. Pour melted margarine over the sugar & cream cheese and mix.
4. Mix in oil.
5. Add egg, milk, and vanilla.
6. Add dry ingredients and mix until blended.
7. Using your hands, roll dough into balls.  Handle as gently and briefly as possible.
8. Roll dough balls in 1/3 c extra sugar to coat evenly.
9. Place on a baking sheet and flatten with a cup.
10. Bake 11-13 minutes or until edges are set and just beginning to brown.  Do not overcook!
11.  Cool on wire racks.