Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 whole egg, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and beat to combine.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and baking powder, one cup at a time, until the dough forms and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into two balls. On a floured surface, roll each dough ball into a 12-inch circle using a rolling pin. Cut out cookie shapes at least 1/8 inch thick using cookie cutters, then place the cookies onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silpat mat.
- Chill the Dough: Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes to firm up the cookies before baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies on the center rack for 8 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Repeat baking with remaining dough.
- Prepare the Icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- Decorate the Cookies: Transfer the icing into a large ziplock bag and snip off a corner to pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies evenly. Alternatively, use a spoon or butter knife for spreading. Add sprinkles if desired. Allow icing to harden for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the butter is softened but not melted before mixing.
- Freezing the shaped dough before baking helps maintain the cookie shape and prevents spreading.
- Adjust the thickness of the icing to your preference for easier piping or spreading.
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- Room temperature ingredients help achieve a better dough consistency and texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American