The Essential Crisp Sugar Cookie (King Arthur Flour)

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together; beating until fluffy. Beat in the egg until smooth, then add the vanilla and almond extracts.

2. 2

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, then add the butter mixture, mixing until the dough is smooth. Refrigerate the dough for 2 to 3 hours or overnight.

3. 3

   Preheat the oven to 375. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

4. 4

   Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and roll to 1/4 inch thick. This dough is fairly soft, so put a piece of plastic wrap over it while you roll it out. Cut out shapes with your favorite cutters and put on cookie sheets.

5. 5

   Bake the cookies for 8 minutes, until set and just slightly colored around the edges. Remove from the oven, let them cool on sheet for 2 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a rack to cool.