Valentine Recipe#2–Sugar Cookies

When I asked my family what recipe makes them think of Valentine’s Day, this is the answer that all of them gave. I was a little surprised by that, I thought at least one of them would pick a chocolate recipe. But the sugar cookie was the winner. This is the recipe that I grew up with. I have tried several sugar cookie recipes over the years, some with sour cream, or powdered sugar, or lemon zest. But I always come back to this one. It is still my favorite. I love the buttery flavor with the hint of almond. They are always soft and yummy!

If you don’t have decorator tips, or just don’t want to deal with the hassle, you can do what I usually do. Use candy!! My kids love to decorate these with Valentine M&M’s, or juju hearts. Really simple but still really cute. Just let them have fun. Or you can just frost them and leave them plain. However you choose to decorate them, they are yummy! Hope you enjoy these as much as we do!!

3/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and flavorings and beat. Stir in dry ingredients. Chill for about an hour. Roll out and place on lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375° for about 6-8 minutes. Cool and frost.
-Makes about 3 1/2 dozen 3” cookies.

Notes:
-I know that a few of you will ask for a frosting recipe. I don’t really have one, I just throw things together, but I will try to give you an idea. Mix about 1/3 cup butter, 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp almond extract, 1/2 tsp vanilla, a dash of salt, a spoonful of sour cream, and a few teaspoons of milk. Beat and add milk or powdered sugar as needed to make a smooth frosting. If you are adding food coloring, add it with the extract.