Step 1

Cream butter, add sugar and beat until fluffy.

Step 2

Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well.

Step 3

Combine dry ingredients and add to butter mixture. Mix until combined.

Step 4

Wrap the dough into parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 350°.

Step 6

Spread the chilled dough onto a floured countertop. Roll it out to no more than 1/8" thick (adding flour as needed to keep the cookies from sticking).

Step 7

Using cookie cutters, cut them into shapes and carefully transfer the cookies to greased or parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 8

Brush each cookie top with well-beaten egg wash.

Step 9

Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with cinnamon/sugar mixture and place a pecan or walnut halve on top, or sprinkle with chopped nuts. Or if you prefer, sprinkle the tops with Christmas sprinkles.

Step 10

Bake for 9 - 11 minutes. Let them rest for about a minute then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.