Deluxe Sugar Cookies and Frosting

We love to make sugar cookies for various holiday and the kids (and adults) enjoy decorating.  I use Betty Crocker's deluxe sugar cookie recipe.

1 cup butter softened
1.5 cups confectioner's sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract
2.5 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar

Mix thoroughly butter, confectioners sugar, egg, vanilla and almond extract.  Blend in flour, soda and cream of tartar,  Cover and chill 2-3 hours.  Heat over to 375, divide dough in half.  Roll each half 3/16 inch thick on a lightly floured surface.  Cut into desired shapes, place on lightly greased baking sheet (I use a pampered chef stone).  Bake 7-8 minutes or until lightly golden on edges.  Makes about 5 dozen 2-2.5 in cookies.


Cream cheese frosting

3 ounces cream cheese (I use 1/3 less fat)
1 Tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
dash of salt
2.5 cups confectioner's sugar

Blend cream cheese, milk, vanilla and salt, add sugar and blend until smooth.  If necessary add 1 tsp of milk at a time to get the right consistency for spreading on cookies.