Cream butter in a large mixing bowl; add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla and cinnamon extract, mixing well.

Combine flour, soda, salt, ground cinnamon and ground pepper, mix well and add to creamed mixture, blending well. (Dough will be very stiff)

Divide dough into thirds; roll each portion to 1/8 inch thickness on lightly floured waxed paper. Cut with desired cutters, and place 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. I found 6 minutes to work best in my oven. Remove to wire rack to cool.
Yield about 5 dozen.

From: Christmas Cookies published by Oxmoor House with Southwestern (cinnamon and pepper) variation by Karen Elizabeth Stober.
Posted By: Stober, Karen E, SITS, kstober@att.com
Post Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999