Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)
  • Royal icing or glaze for finishing (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until well combined.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  6. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
  7. Shape Cookies: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness; cut with cookie cutters if desired.
  8. Prepare for Baking: Place cookies on a lined baking sheet, sprinkle with sugar or sprinkles if using.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
  10. Cool: Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.