Combine all ingredients; do not overmix to avoid tough cookies.

Roll out thinly (1/8-1/4-inch) on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter dipped into flour before each cut.

Brush cookies with an egg beaten until it is light in color. Sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts, if desired.

Bake on greased cookie sheets in a preheated 350F oven until golden, 8-12 minutes, depending upon size of cookies.

For lighter cookies, add 2 tsp. baking powder; the original recipe, over 150 years old, did not call for either baking powder or vanilla.