Swedish Holiday Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dark molasses
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
• Sugar

Preparation

1. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add 3/4 cup sugar, beating until smooth. Add molasses, cinnamon, and cardamom, beating until blended.
2. Combine 1 tablespoon water and baking powder, stirring until baking powder is dissolved; add to butter mixture. Gradually add flour to butter mixture, beating until blended. Cover; chill 8 hours.
3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; roll to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with a 2-inch round or other desired shape cutter. Place, 2 inches apart, on lightly greased baking sheets. Brush evenly with egg white, and sprinkle with sugar.
4. Bake at 375° for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 5 to 6 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.