Here is one of my tried and true sugar cookie recipes that I have been using for years. It makes perfect shapes. It does have cream cheese in it, so I have a second sugar cookie recipe that is pretty plain for people in my family with allergies. I will post that one next. They both have identical results, just a different taste. These recipes are both easy and simple to make. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does.

Notes: I always double my Christmas cookie recipes since I have a large family. So keep in mind that this is not the doubled amount. Feel free to make your own frosting, since all of my in-laws are British so they like their sugar cookies plain to be served with tea.

Best Ever Sugar Cookies

Makes: 4 dozen.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:

In a large bowl cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolk and extracts. Combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for three hours or until easy to handle.

Preheat oven to 375F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in thickness. Cut with floured cookie cutters.

Place 1in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges begin to turn golden. Cool for about two minutes before removing to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Store in an air tight container.