Instructions: * Firmly packed. Just the smell of these cookies baking is enough to get you in the holiday spirit.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter with brown sugar. Beat eggs and extracts. In another bowl, add sifted flour and mix baking powder, salt, pepper and spices. Gradually add flour butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Chill 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 375. Shape dough with two teaspoons into ovals and place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes. Carefully remove cookies from baking sheets to wire racks and sprinkle with confectioners sugar. Cool and store in airtight containers. These cookies keep well and mellow with age. Theyre their best about 5-8 days after baking.

Yield:about 5 dozen.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.