Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream butter and both types of sugar in mixing bowl for two minutes.
- Add eggs, one at a time, and blend until well incorporated.
- Add vanilla extract (and almond extract if using) and mix until combined.
- In separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
- Add dry ingredients, a cup at a time, to wet ingredients, mixing until blended.
- Add 1-3 drops of food coloring, depending on desired intensity.
- Mix until dough begins to form and color is blended.
- Remove dough and divide into two balls.
- Knead each ball of dough until color is fully blended and smooth.
- Roll out dough on parchment paper, baking mat, or floured surface.
- Roll to 1/4 inch or 1/3 thick and cut out shapes with greased cookie cutter.
- Move shapes onto parchment lined cookie sheets and chill for 10-15 minutes in fridge.
- Bake in 350 F oven for 6-9 minutes, depending on size and thickness.
- Watch closely and remove when cookies firm in the middle and before edges brown.
- Allow to cool for 3-5 minutes on cookie sheet to allow cookies to continue cooking and to firm up.
- Move cookies to cooling rack, if desired.
- Once fully cooled, use a mesh strainer to dust cookies with powdered sugar.
Notes
For a festive touch, consider adding a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the dough. Ensure cookies are completely cooled before dusting with powdered sugar for best results.