4 c. flour
1 3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 c. butter
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 tbsp. cold water

Sift together first 4 ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in eggs and water, mixing well. (Dough will be stiff but do not add more water.) Chill until dough can be handled easily, about 1 hour.

Roll to 1/8 inch thickness on a lightly floured board. Shape with assorted cookie cutters. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets in a 400 degree oven 7 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Cool on wire racks.

Frost as desired with confectioners' sugar icing. Decorate with colored sugar, cinnamon drops and bits of candied fruits. Makes about 9 dozen cookies of assorted shapes and sizes.