Blue Ribbon Sugar Cookies

Most sugar cookie recipes are tricky in that they have a tendency to be dry and tasteless if not done just right. These always come out good, and are perfect for decorating for any holiday. I make them for everything. Good way to try out all your cutters!!

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 24
• Yields: 2 dozen or so, depending on size of cutters.

Ingredients

• 1  cup margarine
• 1 1⁄2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1  egg
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  almond extract
• 2 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Mix margarine and sugar and beat till fluffy. Add egg and extracts. Mix in soda and cream of tartar, and then add flour. Wrap in a disc and chill for at least an hour, but no more than 24 or it will dry out.
2. Roll to 1/4" thickness and cut with desired cookie cutters. Leave room between cookies on baking sheet ( I use parchment) because they do spread. Bake 8 minutes till set, but not browned.
3. Frost with cream cheese frosting, or any other flavor if you like, and decorate with sugars or decors.
4. Note: Since every oven varies, it may be a good idea to bake a few at first to determine how long a batch will take in your oven. Underbaking will cause cookies to break, and overbaking will make them crispy.