3 c. flour
1 c. soft butter
3/4 c. dark brown sugar
3/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. finely ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 large eggs
2 c. powdered sugar
Red and green sugar crystals

About 2 1/2 hours before serving: Into large bowl, measure all ingredients, except powdered sugar and sugar crystals. With mixer at low speed, beat till well blended, divide into thirds; shape each into a ball. Wrap and freeze 1 hour. Roll out dough and cut into star shapes. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes. Cool. Just before serving, stir powdered sugar and enough water to make a smooth glaze and spread over cookies. Sprinkle with sugar crystals. Let glaze dry before storing in an air tight covered container.