For the Love of...: ...Sugar Cookies

Although Christmas trees, snowmen and snowflake shapes are what the season calls for, this recipe can be used on almost any occasion (i.e. hearts for Valentine's Day).  Easy and fool proof, this sugar cookie recipe will please both children and adults alike at your next holiday party.

Ingredients

Yields ~2.5 dozen cookies

-1 cup unsalted butter

-1 cup sugar (I like them a little less sweet, so I use 3/4 cup)

-2 large eggs

-2 tsp vanilla extract

-1 tsp almond extract

-3 1/4 cup flour

-2 tsp baking powder

-1/2 tsp salt

-Sprinkles for decoration

Method:

1.  Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.

2.  Beat in eggs, vanilla, almond extract.

3.  In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.

4.  Gradually add flour mixture to the wet ingredients until smooth and incorporated.  

5.  Divide the dough into two discs, wrap with plastic and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

6.  Preheat the oven to 350 F.

7.  Roll out dough to ~1/4 inch thickness.  Cut shapes out and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.  Add the sprinkles and gently press them into the dough.  Try to do this quick enough so the shapes don't "melt".  If they start to melt, place the cookie sheet into the fridge for 15 minutes before baking.

8.  Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.  

9.  Allow them to cool before removing them from the parchment/wax paper.

Enjoy!