2 1/2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 c. unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tbsp. orange juice
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
Green and red food coloring (optional)
Frosting (recipe follows)
Colored sugars (optional)
Shredded coconut (optional)
Cinnamon candies (optional)

1. In large mixing bowl, combine first 7 ingredients. Beat at low speed, about 1-2 minutes, until well mixed, scraping bowl often. If desired, divide dough into 3 equal portions; color 2 portions of dough with desired food coloring. Wrap dough in wax paper; refrigerate 2-3 hours, until firm.

2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

3. On well floured surface, roll out 1/3 of dough at a time to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out dough with 3 inch cookie cutters; place shapes 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 6-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let cool completely. Frost and decorate cooled cookies with colored sugars, shredded coconuts and cinnamon candies, as desired. Makes 3 dozen.

1-2-3 FROSTING:

4 c. confectioners' sugar
1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened
3-4 tbsp. milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract

In small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Beat at low speed, about 1-2 minutes, until fluffy, scraping bowl often. Frost and decorate cookies. (Makes enough frosting to decorate 3 dozen cookies.)