Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Icing and sprinkles for decorating
Directions:
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract (and almond extract if using).
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll and Cut Cookies: On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
Bake: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are just starting to brown.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing and sprinkles as desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Share and enjoy your festive Christmas Cookies with family and friends!
These cookies are not only fun to make but also great for gifting and spreading holiday cheer.