Cream Cheese Cutout Cookies

By á-8871

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Almond Frosting (recipe follows)
• Assorted candies for decoration (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until well combined. Add sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla and almond extract; beat well. In small bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to cream cheese mixture; beat until well mixed. Divide dough in half. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap; refrigerate about 1 1/2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll out dough, half at a time, to 1/8-inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut out with cookie cutters. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased chhkie sheets.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges area lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Frost cookies with Almond Frosting; decorate with assorted candies, if desired.

Almond Frosting: In small bowl, beat 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract until smooth. For piping consistency, beat in 4 to 5 teaspoons milk. For spreading consistency, add a little more milk. If desired, tint with food coloring.