Cutout Christmas Cookies

   1      Cup           butter or margarine -- softened
   1      Cup           sugar
   2                    eggs
   1 1/2  Teaspoons     vanilla extract
   3 1/2  Cups          all purpose flour
   1      Teaspoon      ground cinnamon
     1/2  Teaspoon      baking powder
     1/2  Teaspoon      salt
     1/4  teaspoon      ground cloves
     1/4  teaspoon      ground nutmeg
   1                    egg white -- beaten
                        Colored decorating sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Combine
flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, cloves and nutmeg; gradually add to
creamed mixture and mix well. Chill for at least 1 hour. On a lightly
floured surface, roll dough, a portion at a time, to 1/8" thickness. Cut
into desired shapes. Place on ungreased baking sheets. bake at 350 F.  for
12-14 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Carefully brush with egg
white; sprinkle with colored sugar. Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes or
until lightly browned. Yield: about 6 dozen, 2 inch cookies.