Sugar Cookies

I have been making this simple cookie for 30+ years. I couldn't find the puzzle piece cutter locally, so I ordered it from Amazon. 

Lace's Sugar Cookies

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup unsalted butter

1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. almond flavoring

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. cream of tartar

Cream sugar and butter. Mix in egg and flavorings.  Measure flour by sifting.  Blend dry ingredients; stir in.  Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours.  Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Divide dough in half. Keep half chilled. Roll out the other half on waxed or parchment paper slightly sprinkled with powered sugar.  I use powdered sugar instead flour to keep the cookies from getting tough if you have to re-roll them several times. 

I place 1/4" dowel rods on either side of the dough to ensure uniform thickness of my cookies.  Dip your cookie cutter in powdered sugar and cut away.  Place on lightly greased baking sheet.

 

Sprinkle with sugar. I place the cookie cutter over the cookie to keep the sugar from flying everywhere.  Yes, that's my thumb over the lense.  What can I tell you?   I'm a rookie!

Bake 7 to 8 minutes, or until delicately golden.  Makes 5 dozen 2 to 2 1/2 inch cookies. 
Let them cool just a minute or two before moving to a cooling rack.  Enjoy!