VANILLA ALMOND SUGAR COOKIES RECIPES

Steps:

• For the cookies: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until soft, then add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla and almond extracts.
• In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, almond meal, baking powder, nutmeg and salt. Add the flour mixture to the mixer set on low speed, and mix until combined. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Position racks in the middle and lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour.
• Working with one disk at a time, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes, and place the cookies 1-inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Re-roll the dough scraps to make more cookies, about 48 total.
• Bake the cookies until firm to the touch but not browned around the edges, 12 to 13 minutes, switching the pans from top to bottom and rotating them front to back halfway through cooking. Cool the cookies for 2 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• For the icing: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites and vanilla until frothy. Add the confectioners' sugar 1/4 cup at a time until smooth. Add the lemon juice and mix until combined.
• Decorate the cookies with the royal icing. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve. 

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Combine the flour and baking powder, set aside. Cream the sugar and butter. Add the egg and extracts and mix. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat just until combined, scraping down the bowl, especially the bottom.The dough will be crumbly, so knead it together with your hands as you scoop it out of the bowl for rolling.On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4″ thick sheet, and cut into desired shapes. Place shapes on parchment or silpat lined baking sheets. Place entire baking sheet in the freezer for 5 minutes (this step is important in helping the cookies keep their shapes nice and clean). Remove and bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are just barely starting to turn golden. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely prior to decorating.