Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, until well combined.
Add the butter, egg, and vanilla, and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface, then transfer the sugar cookie dough onto it. Flour your rolling pin and roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness.
Cut out your cookies using a cookie cutter and place them on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them 1.5 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.