1 1/2 c. plus 3 tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
1 c. unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
3 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided

In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat 1 1/2 cups sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs; beat until blended. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon over butter mixture. Mix with wooden spoon to make stiff dough. Cover bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Divide dough into 48 walnut sized pieces. Shape each piece of dough into a 5-6 inch long rope. Shape ropes into letters, circles, knots, triangles or whatever shape you want. Place on greased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.

In a small bowl, combine remaining 3 tablespoons sugar and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over cookies.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheets and let cool completely on wire racks. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

You can shape these cookies any way you like: circles, knots or triangles. Best of all, you can make the letters of the alphabet. This cookie is fun to make with children and fun to make for them. When my children were very young, birthday party treats for their guests were always little baskets filled with cookies that spelled the name of each guest.