Step 1 Heat the oven to 400 degrees. In a mixing bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, until thoroughly combined.
Step 2 In a small bowl, combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt and toss with a fork until well-mixed. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, a little at a time, until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally to fully incorporate. 3. Combine the remaining 3 tablespoons sugar with the five-spice powder in a small, shallow bowl. Spoon out level tablespoons of dough and toss the cookies in the sugar mixture to coat evenly. Roll the dough into balls and arrange about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Step 3Bake the cookies until lightly browned but still soft, 8 to 10 minutes (they will puff while baking and then flatten as they cool). Cool slightly before removing to a rack to cool completely.