Cream Cheese Cut-Out Cookies With Almond Frosting

Jollymae's Note:

A great "sugar" coookie! The cream cheese makes them so soft and wonderful! I've substituted vanilla for the almond extract in the frosting when I didn't have any on hand without any problems.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 50 mins
• Prep Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 40

Yield: 3.0 + dozen ...

Cookies

• 1 cup butter , softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese , softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 3 ½ cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Frosting

• 2 cups powdered sugar , sifted
• 2 tablespoons butter , softened
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 4 -5 teaspoons milk

Directions:

1. Beat butter and cream cheese until well combined.
2. Add sugar, beat until fluffy.
3. Add egg, vanilla, almond extract; beat well.
4. In medium bowl mix flour and baking powder (or sift).
5. Add flour mixture to cream cheese mizture; beat until well combined.
6. Divide dough in half.
7. Cover and chill 1 1/2 hours or until dough is easy to handle.
8. On floured surface roll dough to 1/8" thickness & cut with cookie cutters.
9. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
10. Bake in 375 degree oven for 8-10 minutes or until slightly browned.
11. Remove to wire racks to cool.
12. FROSTING:.
13. In bowl beat powdered sugar, butter, and almond extract until smooth.
14. Beat in enough milk until frosting is of piping consistency. For spreadable frosting, add a little more milk.
15. Stir in a few drops of food coloring, if desired.