Honey Cookies

Ingredients

 * 4 cups unbleached flour (all-purpose)
 * 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
 * ½ tsp ground cloves
 * ½ tsp ground ginger
 * ½ tsp ground nutmeg
 * 1 cup powdered sugar
 * 2 tsp baking powder
 * 2 extra large eggs
 * 1 cup honey
 * 2 tbsp chopped orange peel
 * 1 large egg - beaten with a little water for glazing
 * 20 blanched almonds
 * coarse sugar crystals (optional)

Directions

 * 1) Sift the flour, spices, sugar, and baking powder together, blending well.
 * 2) Add the eggs, honey, and orange peel to make a soft dough.
 * 3) On a floured work surface, roll out the dough to about ½-inch thick.
 * 4) Cut into shapes with cookie cutters, and place on a lightly greased or non-stick cookie sheet, brushing each one with the egg wash glaze.
 * 5) Place ½ of an almond in the top center of each cookie and sprinkle with the sugar crystals.
 * 6) Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until done, about 15 minutes.
 * 7) Cool on wire racks and store in airtight tins.