Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer until smooth.

Add vanilla and egg and continue to beat until fluffy.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cardamom and cinnamon.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.

Divide the dough into small batches and roll out to 1/4 inch thickness onto a floured board and cut out desired shapes. I used a 2 inch cookie cutter (see photo)

Bake at 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges.

Cool on baking sheet, then remove to wire racks.

Repeat with remaining dough.

Place chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave safe bowl.

Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.

Dip half of each cookie into the chocolate and transfer to wax paper or parchment paper.

Sprinkle with finely chopped pistachios and let set.