• 2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 c. butter or margarine
• 1 c. sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 Tbsp. milk
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• assorted decorations (colored sugar, small multi-colored decorative candies and/or crushed hard candies)
• narrow ribbon
• assorted tinted creamy white frostings (use Butter Frosting or a creamy white frosting mix)

1. In a small mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and if desired, nutmeg.
2. Set flour mixture aside.
3. In a large mixer bowl, beat butter or margarine with an electric mixer on medium speed until softened, about 30 seconds.
4. Add sugar and beat until fluffy.
5. Add egg, milk and vanilla, then beat well.
6. Gradually add flour mixture and beat until well blended.
7. Cover and chill dough, about 1 hour.
8. Roll out dough, half at a time, on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
9. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters or knife, re-rolling dough as necessary.
10. Transfer cookies to un-greased cookie sheets.
11. With a plastic drinking straw, make one hole at top of each cookie.
12. Bake in a 375 degrees oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cookies are light brown around edges.
13. While cookies are hot, if necessary, reopen holes with a toothpick.
14. Remove cookies from sheet to a wire rack, then cool completely.
15. Put assorted decorations in individual small plastic bowls.
16. Tie a small piece of ribbon in the hole of each cookie for hanging.
17. Let guests decorate the cookies by attaching the decorations to the cookies with some frosting.
18. Let cookies stand about 30 minutes or until the frosting is slightly dry.

    Makes about 36 cookies.