Baking sugar cookies from scratch is a time-honored tradition, after all! With a tender, short texture that comes from a good buttery base, ... 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.
Choose your cookie sheets wisely—look for shiny aluminum sheets with no sides that allow air circulation for sugar cookies to bake evenly. Dark sheets absorb more heat, making it hard to control browning. Insulated cookie sheets slow down baking, providing control but a...
You can prevent cookie dough from sticking to the cookie cutter by dipping the cutter in flour between uses. Cookie sheets should be at least 2 inches smaller than the inside of your oven so the heat can circulate completely around them. Be sure to arrange the oven racks before you preheat the oven, so that you can bake in the center of the oven.