Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla on high speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
Sift the all-purpose flour and salt together.
Turn the speed down to low and slowly add the cashew meal followed by the all-purpose flour. Scrape down the sides once or twice to make sure the dough is evenly mixed.
Use a tablespoon-sized scoop to measure out cookie dough onto the baking sheet. Use your hands to roll each cookie into a ball.
Chill the dough for 20 minutes and then bake for 20 minutes. The cookies will spread slightly, so leave approximately 1-2 inches of space in between each cookie. While the cookies are baking, sift together the topping ingredients in a bowl.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow to sit briefly until they’re still very warm but can be handled. Carefully coat each cookie in the sugar mixture and set aside to cool (they will be fragile while warm). Once the cookies have cooled, approximately 15-20 minutes, toss again in the sugar mixture.
Notes
I used Trader Joe's 'Just Cashew Meal' but there are several brands of cashew meal available online. You can also make your own using raw cashews and a food processor (pulse the machine several times until the cashews are finely chopped). Almond meal/flour may be substituted.