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1
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl, using a hand mixer), cream the butter and cream cheese with the sugar.
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2
Beat for several minutes, or until light and fluffy.
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3
Beat in the egg, vanilla and almond extracts, and lemon zest.
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4
Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl then gradually add to the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and a soft dough is formed.
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5
At this point the dough can, and should be, chilled or frozen.
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6
If making cookies in the near future, divide the dough into 2 balls and roll each out to 1/4 to 1/8-inch thickness between large pieces of parchment paper.
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7
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
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8
Or freeze the dough balls, wrapped in plastic wrap and a freezer bag, for up to 1 month.
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9
To thaw, leave in the refrigerator overnight then proceed with the recipe.
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10
To bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350F and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment or a Silpat.
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11
Cut cookies out of the rolled dough and place on the prepared baking sheets.
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12
Bake cookies for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness.
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13
Let cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet, then remove to a wire rack.
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14
Cool completely before icing or decorating, and store in a tightly covered container.
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15
Sugar Cookie Tips This dough freezes perfectly.
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16
The original recipe makes a very large quantity, so roll out a few sheets of dough and freeze them flat between wax paper and plastic wrap for quick cut-out cookies later.
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17
When you take the chilled dough out of the fridge you may need to let it sit for a few moments before it is soft enough to roll out.
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18
The high quotient of butter makes this a very firm dough.
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That firmness makes these perfect cut-out cookies for children; if you roll the dough at least 1/4-inch thick children should have no problem cutting and picking up cookie dough shapes.
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20
The dough doesn't tear easily or get too soft like other more delicate cookie doughs.
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21
They are firm yet tender, with a very buttery flavor.
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22
If you sandwich them with a soft filling like buttercream or Nutella the cookies soften even more.
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23
Sugar Cookie Decorating Ideas Ice with a sugar glaze then sandwich with Nutella between two cookies.
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24
Glaze with warmed jelly then sandwich with another cut-out cookie on top.
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Drizzle with melted chocolate.
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Ice with royal icing and stick on candy dots for decoration.