Ingredients:
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
4 tablespoons milk
For the Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
Combine Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until combined. If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters, then place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Icing:
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Add food coloring if desired.
Decorate:
Once the cookies are cool, spread or pipe the icing on top and decorate with sprinkles.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 minutes per batch
Yield: Approximately 48 cookies