Christmas Spice Sugar Cookies

Preheat oven to 375 F.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix thoroughly. Add salt, nutmeg (if using) and baking powder, mix again. Add the flour one cup at a time, mixing after adding each and continuing until cookie dough is no longer sticky and holds together well. (Note: I usually stop around 3 to 3 1/2 cups if I plan to chill the dough. If I plan to use it immediately, I end up using close to 4 cups of flour depending on the humidity. You’ll have to find what works for you and your weather!)

Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface and cut with desired cookie cutters. Place cut out cookie shapes on un-greased cookie sheets spacing them at least an inch apart. Bake for approximately 7 or 8 minutes. You want to see the bottom edge of the cookie turn golden. Remove pans from oven and set on a rack. Leave cookies on pan to cool after removing from oven as they will continue to cook for a minute or two, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Notes:
– Keep in mind that all ovens are different, and you’ll have to watch the first batch to find out where your “sweet spot” is as far as bake time goes. Time will also depend on how thick or thin you roll out your cookie dough.
– I like to decorate my cookies, so to keep the cookie spreading minimal I use a small amount of baking powder. You may adjust this to your own needs! My mom likes her cookies “fluffier” and isn’t concerned about spreading, so she uses almost 2 teaspoons of baking powder.