Directions: |
Directions:Make the dough
1. Whisk flour, baking powder and salt together in a bowl and set aside
2. In a mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high until smooth and creamy ~ 2 minutes
3. Add egg, vanilla and almond extract (if using)
4. Beat at high speed for 1 minute
5. Scrape the bowl and beat again for another minute
6. Add dry ingredients to wed ingredients and mix on low until combined
*Note - Dough will be soft. If it seems too soft and sticky for rolling add 1 Tbsp of flour
Roll the dough if using immediately
1. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Place each portion onto a piece of lightly floured parchment paper or a lightly floured silicone mat.
2. Roll to dough until it is ¼ inch thick
3. Lightly flour the top of the dough and place a piece of parchment on top (this will prevent sticking)
4. Repeat steps 1-2 until all dough is rolled out
5. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refridgerate1-2 hours up to to 2 days.
Prepare the dough to freeze
You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
1. Divide the dough into two equal parts
2. Flatten both halves into discs (like you would for pie crusts)
3. Wrap in plastic wrap
4. To thaw, put the disc(s) in the refrigerator.
5. Once thawed bring to room temperature for 1 hour
6. Follow the instructions to roll out the dough above. You will only need to refrigerate the dough once rolled for 45 min - 1 hour
Baking the cookies
1. Heat oven to 350º F
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper
3. Using a cookie cutter, cut out the shapes and place onto parchment paper. Align the cookies 3 inches apart
4. Re-roll remaining dough and continue cutting until it is used
5. Repeat with all pieces of dough
6. Bake for 11 - 12 minutes or until lightly browned
7. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling
8. Decorate once completely cooled
Freezing Cookies
The cookies can be frozen plain or if decorated for up to 3 months.
1. Wait for icing to set completly
2. Layer between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer friendly container
3. You can thaw in the freezer or at room temperature
Other Options
- Choose other extracts that you like other than almond - maple, peppermint, coconut, or lemon also work well
- Add spices like pumpkin pie spices or cinnamon
- Add lemon zest |
This recipe for Sugar Cookies - Best for Cut Outs is from