1 c. (2 sticks) butter
1 c. sugar
3/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom or anise seed

Cream butter with sugar until light. Beat in eggs 1 at a time; stir in vanilla.

Gradually sift flour, baking powder, salt and cardamom into creamed mixture, blending well. Chill 1 hour.

Roll out about 1/4 at a time to 1/4" thickness on floured pastry cloth or board; cut with floured tree etc. cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake in hot oven, 375 to 400 degrees, 8 to 10 minutes until firm. Cool completely and frost.

ICING: Stir 2 tablespoons water or milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla into 2 cups sifted XXX sugar.

A recipe from home and my Swedish ancestors.