INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup ground cinnamon  

DIRECTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour and cinnamon; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle. On a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a 2-1/2-in. star-shaped cookie cutter dipped in flour. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-18 minutes or until edges are firm and bottom of cookies are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Spice Sugar Cookies

2 cups sifted flour, less if possible  1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder  1/2 teaspoon salt  1/4 teaspoon cinnamon  1/4 teaspoon allspice  1/4 teaspoon cloves  1/2 cup butter  1 cup granulated sugar  1 egg  1 teaspoon vanilla extract  1 tablespoon cream  extra granulated sugar, for decorating

Blend 1 cup flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. Cream butter, beat in sugar. Beat in egg, vanilla, and cream. Stir in flour, then add enough of the remaining 1 cup flour to make the dough stiff enough to roll. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill several hours. Preheat oven to 375F. Place on a lightly floured cutting board and roll to 1/8" thickness. Use floured cookie cutters to cut into shapes. Place on an ungreased baking sheet, sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake 8 minutes.