The Best Sugar Cookies Ever!

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Butter ((softened))
• 3/4 cup Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
• 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese ((softened))
• 1/2 cup Butter ((softened))
• 4 cups Powdered Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• Food Coloring (Optional)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy for about one minute. Add the sugar and continue to beat until creamy for about 2 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract and continue to beat until incorporated.

2. 2

   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add to the creamed mixture and continue to beat until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball and chill in the fridge for one hour and can be chilled overnight.

3. 3

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough out to desired thickness (mine were 1/4 inch thick) and cut with cookie cutters. Transfer to baking sheet.

4. 4

   Bake for 8-11 minutes or until just set. I like mine more soft so I cooked mine for 8 minutes. Let cookies cool completely before frosting.

5. 5

   Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and continue to beat until it is smooth and creamy. Frost cooled cookies.