Everyone has a favorite holiday sugar cookie recipe, and I’m no exception. This one stands out because of the extra cinnamon. For a cookie-decorating party, make several batches of Royal Icing in different colors, so children–and grownups–have lots of choices.

3 cups all-purpose flour
¾ pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 ½ cups light brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk, or more as needed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Royal Icing (recipe follows)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
2. Combine all ingredients except the icing in a large bowl. Knead with your fingers until all ingredients are well mixed. Add more milk if necessary to form into a ball. Wrap the dough in wax paper and chill for 1 hour.
3. Roll the dough about 1/8-inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters and place on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until browned. Cool on wire racks. Ice with Royal Icing.

Royal Icing

This recipe makes extra, so that you can divide the icing into different colored batches. If you cannot find meringue powder at your grocer, look for it in specialty baking and gourmet shops.

Makes 3 cups

3 tablespoons meringue powder
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Food coloring (optional)