How to Make The Best Ever Sugar Cookies

My Mom made these cookies over 40 years ago. Needless to say, this recipes makes the best sugar cookies. The almond extract gives this cookies that special flavor. I prefer to use stick margarine because it makes a softer cookie. If you make these cookies with butter they will be crisp. If you use margarine make sure it contains 80% fat. The powdered sugar in this recipe make the cookie dough soft and light. Also, this recipe doubles easily. Simply decorate these cookies with decorators colored sugar. If you make this cookie dough just as I have, it will come out perfect every time. Great recipe to share for a cookie exchange

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup margarine or butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• colored sugar for decorating
• a mixer
• parchment paper
• cookie cutters
• baking sheets
• a pastry brush
• wax paper

1. 
    
   Plan on using a mixture if you double the recipe

   In a mixing bowl add the powdered sugar, margarine, egg, vanilla & almond extract. Mix until light and fluffy. Next, gradually mix in flour, baking soda & cream of tartar.

2. Cover and refrigerate at for least 2 hours. Heat oven to 375. Divide dough into halves. Roll each half 1/4 inch thick on lightly floured cloth-covered board. Cut into shapes.

3. 
    
   Wilton's Decorative Sugars

   Cover cookie sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle cookies with decorators sugar. Let your children help you decorate the cookies.
   
   
   
   Makes 5 dozen 2 inch cookies

4. 
    
   Parchment paper makes for easy clean up

   Place cookies on cookie sheet. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Every oven is different so cookie time may vary.

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan on decorating with icing do not use decorators sugar.
• I make a double recipe when making Christmas cookies
• When I double the recipe I make the dough up the night before. Then the next day I can just plan on decorating.
• With food coloring tint the Royal frosting to match your theme
• Make turkey cookies for Thanksgiving
• Leave the cookie dough in the refrigerator until you plan on using it.

[ShannaFuentes]

on 3/7/2009 Great recipe! Thanks for sharing! I will definitely have to try this!

[MrBrett]

on 12/20/2008 This will be added to my book! thx

[JMPirkle]

on 11/20/2008 Might have to try this recipe this Christmas!

[TheGlamSquad]

on 11/20/2008 I want some! That recipe sound so great. I will have to add them to my cookie dish, if they make it there. Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmyyyyyy! Thanks for sharing the recipe! 5*****

[Viol]

on 11/20/2008 Thanks for sharing this. I want to try this...