How to Make Santa's Favorite Sugar Cookies

Cookies for Santa

When my daughter was 2 I started a tradition. I would make 8 dozen of these cookies, invite the neighborhood kids over to cut out and decorate cookies for Santa. These cookies are the softest, best cookies. My 23-year old stepson still calls me in early December to see when I am making them, they are that good. Enjoy and happy holidays!

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of soft butter
• 3-oz package of softened cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
• 1 egg
• 2 cups of Flour
• White decorator frosting (I use Pilsbury brand)
• Decorator sprinkles all colors
• Holiday cookie cutters
• Baking sheets

Instructions

1. Cream together the sugar, butter, cream cheese, salt, almond extract, vanilla and the egg in a large bowl.

2. Slowly add the 2 cups of flour, one level cup at a time into the butter and sugar mixture.

3. Stir flour into the mixture until well blended.

4. Refrigerate dough for 2 hours for easier handling.

5. Remove dough from refrigerator after two hours. Heat oven to 375 degrees.

6. Lightly flour surface where dough will be rolled out. Roll out a 1/3 of the dough to 1/8 inch thick circle,(the size of a large pizza).

7. Cut into shape with floured cookie cutters. Place cookies on an ungreased baking pan about an inch apart.

8. Bake cookies in heated oven for 7 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool cookies completely before decorating.

Tips & Warnings

• Cookies in a holiday tin make an excellent gift to co-workers and long distance friends.