Preheat oven to 350ºF

Beat butter with a stand mixer at medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the 1/2 cup sugar, baking soda, spices, and salt beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer (use the paddle attachment). If the dough is crumbly, gently knead the dough with your hands.

Divide dough in half. Add a couple of drops of red food coloring and work into the dough with your hands until the desired color. Do the same with the second half of the dough using the yellow food coloring( or any color you want) **food coloring may dye hands.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in the ½ cup of sugar. Place the balls 2 inches apart on parchment-lined cookie sheets and gently flatten them with the bottom of a glass.

Bake in preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely, and store in an airtight container or zip-lock gallon bag.