You need this recipe!

So here is the BEST sugar cookie recipe ever! (special thanks to Susan Welch for this one)

We have made this recipe every year since Benton was born. It is a must try!

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup butter softened

1 egg

1tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1tsp baking soda

1tsp cream of tartar

granulated sugar

Mix powdered sugar, butter, egg, vanilla and almond extract. Stir in flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Divide dough into halves. Roll each half 3/16 inch thick on lightly floured cloth-covered board ( I sprinkle my clean counter top with powdered sugar and roll out dough) . Cut into desired shapes with 2- to 2 1/2 inch cookie cutters; sprinkle w/ granulated sugar. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake until edges are light brown, 7 to 8 minutes. Makes about 5 Dozen

Frosting

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

about 1 tablespoon water or 1 to 2 tablespoons half and half (better)

assorted food colors

Mix powdered sugar, vanilla and salt. Beat in water until smooth and of spreading consistency. Tint parts of frosting w/ food colors as directed. (use liquid food coloring for light colors, paste food color- avaliable through mail-order baking equipment stores or maybe Michaels crafts- for deeper colors