Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, 1/2 cup confectioners sugar and vanilla for several minutes until light and fluffy.
Sift the flour and salt together.
Turn the mixer speed down to low and slowly add the almond meal followed by the flour. Scrape down the sides once or twice to make sure the dough is evenly mixed.
Use a tablespoon-sized scoop to measure out cookies. Use your hands to roll each cookie into a ball (don't skip this step or the final product won't look as nice!)
Chill the cookies for 15 minutes and then bake for 15-20 minutes. While the cookies are baking, sift together the topping ingredients in a bowl.
Remove the cookies from the oven. While they're still warm, carefully coat each cookie in the sugar cardamom mixture and set aside to cool. Once the cookies have cooled (about 15-20 minutes), toss them again in the sugar mixture.