Windmill Cookies

Directions

1. 1
   Stir together baking soda and water until baking soda is dissolved.
2. 2
   Beat together butter, brown sugar, and baking soda mixture with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy.
3. 3
   Whisk together flour, salt, and spices, then mix into butter mixture until combined well.
4. 4
   Stir in almonds.
5. 5
   Form dough into 3 (10- by 3-inch) logs and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
6. 6
   Freeze logs until firm, about 4 hours, or overnight.
7. 7
   Preheat oven to 350F.
8. 8
   Keeping remaining logs frozen, cut 1 log crosswise into slices slightly less than 1/4 inch thick and arrange slices 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
9. 9
   Bake in middle of oven until set, 12 to 14 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool.
10. 10
    Slice and bake remaining dough in same manner.