1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, allspice, and white pepper; set aside.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the light-brown and granulated sugars with the butter until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the egg and molasses. Add the flour mixture; mix until combined. Form into a ball; wrap in plastic. Chill dough at least 2 hours or overnight.

3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the sanding sugar into a bowl. Form the dough into 1-inch balls; roll each ball in sugar. Place the coated balls on prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Using the palm of your hand, flatten each ball slightly into a disk.

4. Bake the cookies until browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container up to 2 days.