From Margaret (USA)

Serves 40

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 stick butter
• 4 1/4 cups flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 3 Tbsp cocoa
• 1/2 tsp each ground cinnamon, cardamon, allspice, nutmeg, coriander, black pepper
• 2 eggs
• 8 decorative icings, colored sprinkles

Vanilla or Chocolate Frosting

• 3/4 stick butter or margarine
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp milk
• 1 Tbsp vanilla
• 6 Tbsp cocoa (for chocolate frosting)

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Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a 1 quart saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until blended; allow to cool slightly. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cocoa, and spices. Gradually blend in egg and honey mixture. Knead dough until smooth. Divide dough into three equal parts. On a lightly floured pastry board, roll out each section of dough to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut dough with cookie cutters. Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 8 to 10 minutes.

While cookies are baking, prepare frosting. In a small bowl, beat butter or margarine. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cocoa (if making chocolate frosting.) Beat until light and fluffy.

Frost cookies and add detail with decorative icing and sprinkles.

Prep Time: 1/2 hour        Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes