Day 1 of 7: Christmas Cookies - Tis the season for baking!

I thought it might be fun to share a favorite Christmas Cookie recipe - one each day over the next week.  Won't you join me and post yours in the comment section below!  A Cookie Recipe Collection made from all of our favorites!

Favorite Recipe # 1 - Sugar Cookies

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup softened butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg
Cream together the 5 ingredients listed above and set aside.

In a separate bowl sift together the following:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 /2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture above. Cover and chill for about 2 hours.  Preheat your oven to 370*.  I use parchment paper-lined baking sheets, but if you don't have parchment paper on hand, lightly grease the cookie sheets.

Divide the chilled dough into thirds and roll to about 1/4" thick on a floured surface. ( I found a rolling pin with discs that slip over the ends to help roll to even thicknesses...I must say what a game-changer for rolling sugar cookies and pie dough!)  Cut into desired shapes with your favorite cookie cutters.  Place about 2" apart on your prepared pans and bake 7-8 minutes or until edges are just lightly browned or "set".   Cool a few minutes before moving to wire racks.  Frost when completely cool.

Recipe makes about 5 dozen - depending on the size of your cookie cutters!
Royal Icing is my favorite!