**

So, I got this recipe from a friend, Brooke, about a year ago and I can honestly say I have not made any other sugar cookies since. There is a store in my hometown that sells the most delicious decorated sugar cookies and this recipe tastes JUST like them! I was so excited after I made these for the first time because after searching for years, I had finally found a sugar cookie that tastes just like the ones I love plus I can make them at home, anytime I want to. I’m guessing you want to know what sets these cookies apart from any other basic sugar cookie…well… the secret is…almond extract! The almond is what makes this cookie absolutely irresistible! (I’m sorry friends with nut allergies, you can skip the almond and just go with the vanilla extract and I’m sure it will still be delicious.) I usually like the cookies just plain but I have also included an icing recipe that my friend gave me along with the cookies. I hope you enjoy the cookies as much as I do!

prep time: 10 min        total time: 20 min      servings: approx. 12-16

for the cookies:

• 3/4 cup softened butter (salted or unsalted)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 3/4 cup flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/3 tsp. almond extract

for the icing: 

• 1 Tbsp. corn syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp. almond extract

directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F**

**The best way to get soft cookies is to bake them in a really hot oven for a shorter amount of time**

2. Combine butter and sugar until creamy

3. Add in eggs and vanilla extract and almond extract and mix just until combined

4. Slowly add in the mixed dry ingredients of flour and baking powder

5. Once that is all combined, lay dough out on a hard surface and then roll it up in Saran wrap and form into a log and put the dough in the refrigerator for 30 min-1 hour

6. After dough has chilled, cut into 1/4 inch rounds and then bake for 10-12 minutes just until the cookies are cooked through

7. Let cool and enjoy (see icing directions if you prefer icing on them)

for the icing:

1. Combine corn syrup, powdered sugar, water, and almond extract until you have a glaze-like consistency
2. Spread a thin layer of icing onto cooled cookies
3. Let the cookies set and enjoy!

**In the picture above, I had to use the 3/4 cup of whole wheat flour because I ran out of AP flour so your cookies will turn out a little bit of a different color than the picture above**