5 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. butter
3 eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk or make sour milk by adding 1 tsp. vinegar to reg. milk
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Cinnamon or nutmeg mixed with sugar to taste for topping

Sift flour with 1 cup sugar and next 4 ingredients. Cut in butter with fingers, until crumbly. Beat eggs slightly and add remaining sugar gradually, beating in thoroughly. Blend buttermilk and vanilla with eggs, then add mixture to crumb base. Blend well, chill until ready to bake or proceed with rolling and shaping at once.

Work 1/4 of the dough at a time on a lightly floured board. Roll about 1/8 inch thick, cut in desired shapes and dip each cookie top lightly into a mixture of sugar and spices. Bake in moderate oven (350 degrees) for 8 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned and firm to the touch. Transfer to wire racks to cool. Makes 6 to 8 dozen cookies.