Soft Sugar Cookies & Frosting

Soft Sugar Cookies

1 cup butter, softened (or half shortening, half butter)
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons almond extract (optional)
1 cup sour cream
5 ½ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons salt

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, extracts, and sour cream and mix. Add remaining ingredients and mix. Divide dough into two or three portions. Place each portion on a large square of parchment paper and pat into a thick round disc. Cover and chill for about an hour. Using flour to dust the dough and counter, roll out dough and cut into shapes. Bake in 350 degree oven for 7 to 9 minutes, depending on thickness.


Frosting for Sugar Cookies

2 pounds powdered sugar
1 ½ cups butter, softened to room temperature
6 or 7 tablespoons milk (¼ cup plus 2 or 3 tablespoons)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract

Place all wet ingredients and about three quarters of the powdered sugar into a mixing bowl. Beat until very smooth. Add remaining powdered sugar and beat for several minutes until smooth and fluffy.