Sift together flour, salt and cardamom spice.
Using electric mixer beat butter and sugar together until fluffy, about 5 mins.
Add vanilla bean and orange zest mix well.
Add eggs and combine well.
Slowly add the flour mix a bit at a time.
Separate dough into 2 separate pieces. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
When ready to bake preheat oven to 375 degrees and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
On floured work surface roll disk out to ⅛ to ¼ inch thickness.
Cut out with cookie cutter shape of your choice and transfer to baking sheet.
Bake 6-9 minutes (just until edges start to brown).
Cool completely and decorate with Royal Icing.