Ukrainian Christmas Honey Cookies Medianyky

These Christmas cookies are a perennial favorite. They may be rolled out and cut into rounds, stars, or crescents. Often they are hung on the lower branches of the Christmas tree as treats for the younger children.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 4  cups flour
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon clove
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ginger
• 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1  cup powdered sugar
• 2  teaspoons baking powder
• 2  extra large eggs
• 1  cup honey
• 2  tablespoons  chopped  orange rind
• 1  egg, beaten with a little water for glaze
• 20  blanched almonds (without peel)
•  coarse  sugar crystals

Directions

1. Sift together flour, spices, powdered sugar, and baking powder. Note: powdered sugar sometimes called icing sugar, confectioners' sugar or XXX sugar, all the same thing.
2. Add eggs, honey, and orange peel to make a stiff dough.
3. On a floured work surface, roll out dough about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Cut shapes with cookie cutter, place on nonstick baking sheet, and brush with glaze.
5. Place 1/2 almond in the middle of each, sprinkle with coarse sugar, and bake in preheated 350 degrees oven until done, about 15 minutes.
6. Cool on racks.
7. Store in tightly covered tins.