Powdered Sugar Cookies

I'm sure we all have certain smells and tastes that remind us of our childhood Christmases.  For me...it's these cookies.  Yes, they are amazingly delicious.  Yes, they are a huge pain in the butt.  Yes, the dough is like the best cookie dough I've ever eaten.  Yes, you will hate decorating them by the end of it.

Even if you decorate a bunch to look exactly like your dog.

Which only a crazy person would do, right?

Do you see a likeness?

I love these because for me, they are the perfect sugar cookie.  The dough is smooth and tasty with a hint of almond flavor.  They store well in airtight containers and are the perfect texture, just every so slightly soft and perfect.

Powdered Sugar Cookies

(adapted from my mom <3 and Betty Crocker)

For the cookies:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, softened.

1 tsp vanilla

3/4 tsp almond extract

1 egg

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cream of tartar

For the frosting:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 - 2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 - 3 Tbsp milk, more as needed

Food coloring if desired

For the cookies, in the bowl of an electric stand mixer with paddle attachment, cream together the butter and powdered sugar.  Add the vanilla, almond extract, and egg.  Beat until combined.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.  Add the flour mixture back into the butter mixture in about three batches, mixing until the dough is formed.  Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 375.  On a floured surface, roll out about half of the dough to about 1/4 inch even thickness.  Cut into shapes using cookie cutters and transfer to greased cookie sheets using a spatula.  Space cookies about 1.5 inches apart.

Bake the in center of a preheated oven for 6-8 minutes or until edges just begin to turn golden brown.  Remove from oven and transfer immediately to cooling racks.

Once cookies are cool, mix together the frosting ingredients and frost.  Set on wax paper to set completely before storing in an airtight container.