BETTY CROCKER TRADITIONAL SUGAR COOKIES RECIPES

Steps:

• In large bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, the softened butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, the almond extract and egg with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon, until well blended. Stir in flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Divide dough in half; shape dough into 2 disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
• Heat oven to 375°F.
• Roll each disk on lightly floured surface until 1/4 inch thick. Cut with 2- to 2 1/2-inch cookie cutters into desired shapes. On ungreased cookie sheets, place cutouts at least 2 inches apart.
• Bake 7 to 8 minutes or until edges are light brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely.
• In medium bowl, beat 3 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla with spoon until smooth and spreadable. If frosting is too stiff to spread, add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time. Tint with food color. Spread frosting on cooled cookies. Decorate as desired with colored sugar or candy sprinkles. Let stand about 4 hours or until frosting is set. Store covered in airtight container at room temperature with waxed paper between layers.

Steps:

• Cream together butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
• In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually mix dry ingredients into the butter/sugar mixture and stir until incorporated (can be done by hand, but I use a stand mixer).
• Cover with plastic wrap and let chill in fridge until cold (approx. 1 hour).
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Roll out approximately 1 1/2-2 cups of dough at a time (or whatever amount you have room for on your workspace).
• Cut cookies with seasonal cookie cutters.
• Place cookies on parchment-lined cookie sheets for easy clean up.
• Sprinkle with colored sugar sprinkles.
• Bake 6-8 minutes or until edges turn golden brown.
• Cool on wire rack and store at room temperature in an air-tight container.