Rolled out Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookies

1 C real butter (no substitutions!)
1 C sugar
1 egg (make sure to use a large or extra large egg)
1 1/2 t almond extract (or other flavor of your choice, like vanilla)
3 C flour
1 1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy- about 2 minutes. Add in egg and extract and mix to incorporate.

In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. A very important note: It's important to correctly measure your flour or you will end up with a dry, crumbly dough. Never, ever use your measuring cup to scoop up the flour. Use a regular sized spoon and spoon the flour into the cup and then level it off with a knife.

Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until completely combined.

Chill the dough in the fridge for about an hour, or use this great tip to make things easier:

When your dough is made, instead of putting it in the fridge, immediately roll between 2 sheets of waxed or parchment paper and then place on a flat surface in the fridge. Chill for about 20-30 minutes and then start cutting it out. This way it chills faster and the bonus is that you don't need to add extra flour to roll it out. If you don't use this tip, proceed as follows:

When you're ready to roll out dough lightly sprinkle flour onto your work surface and roll out dough with a rolling pin.

Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes. The baking time really depends on how you like them. If you like them really and slightly chewy, about 8-9 minutes does it. If you like them slightly crisp and buttery, then go for 10-12.

*I tried these the other night.  I could have just eaten the dough.  Yummy dough.  I over cooked them.  They don't look like they are cooking so don't let that scare you.  I would stick around the 8-10 minute time for baking.  Also, I just threw the dough in the fridge and then tried to roll it out.  It worked, but was a little bit crumbly, but I took a water squirt bottle and sprayed the dough just a tad to get it to stick together.  Next time I will be rolling it out before putting it in the fridge then I don't have to worry about it.  I really like how it holds it shape.  They don't really expand when cooking so the detailed cookie cutters would be awesome for this dough.