* The One TRUE sugar Cookie

by Ashley Beck

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1.5 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup cream, sour cream or buttermilk
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
3 cups flour ( add 2 tablespoons extra four in humid, rainy weather)

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees

Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, almond extract, salt and baking powder, missing until well combined.

With mixer on low, add half the cream and then the cornstarch, followed by half the flour. Add remaining cream and flour, mixing just until incorporated.

Divide dough into two flattened balls, cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Roll our chilled dough to desired thickness and a generously floured surface. Loosen dough from counter by sliding a spatula under dough before cutting shapes (our favorite trick for easy release).

Cut into desired shapes, dust off excess flour and bake on a greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until set  but not browned. Cook for 5 minutes then transfer to cooling rack.

Decorate cooled cookies with your favor frosting and sprinkles.