Swedish Spice Cookies

Cream butter; gradually add sugar, beat until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg. Combine flour, salt, spices, orange peel, and baking soda. Gradually add to cream mixture. Gather dough into a ball; wrap in plastic wrap. Chill 2 to 3 hours. Preheat oven to 375°. Use 1/4 dough at a time; keep remainder refrigerated until needed. Sprinkle pastry cloth and rolling pin with granulated sugar. Sprinkle top of dough with sugar also. Roll to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with floured cookie cutters. Place 1-inch apart on unbuttered cookie sheets. If planning to use as ornaments make small hole near the top of the cookie using tip of wooden pick.

Use a silver dragee for eye. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from cookie sheets and cool completely on wire racks. Decorate with icing, store in airtight containers at room temperature.