Recipe: Soft Sugar Cookies with Almond Frosting

SOFT SUGAR COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Almond Frosting (recipe follows)

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, vanilla and almond extract.

Combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt and nutmeg; gradually add to creamed mixture. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until light brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Frost the cooled cookies.

ALMOND FROSTING

3 cups confectioner's sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 to 4 tablespoons hot water
Food coloring (optional)

In a bowl, combine confectioner's sugar, butter, almond extract and enough water to achieve desired consistency. Tint with food coloring if desired.

Makes 6 dozen cookies
Source: Coleen Walter of Bancroft, Michigan in Taste of Home's Quick Cooking magazine, March/April 2001