Sugar cookie

One of my favorite cookies is sugar cookies and I am always looking for a good sugar cookie recipe.  Well around Christmas I found one thanks to Paula Deen.  How I love her recipes.  I also included a homemade icing recipe because what makes a sugar cookie go from good to great is the icing.  Let me know what you think. 

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. almond extract

3 1/4 cups of flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

In large bowl beat butter and sugar until fluffy.  Beat in eggs, vanilla and almond extract until combined.  In another bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt.  gradually add to sugar mixture beat until smooth.  Wrap dough in heavy duty plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Roll out dough on lightly floured surface (I use powder sugar instead of flour, it tastes better) to 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut out into desired shapes.  Put on baking sheets and chill dough for 15 mins. (I skipped this part due to time).  Bake for 10 mins or until edges are very lightly browned.  Let cool for 2 mins and then remove to wire racks. 

Icing:

1 cube butter, softened

2 c. powder sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. almond extract

1 Tbsp. milk

Beat sugar and butter.  Add extracts and 1 Tbsp. of milk.  If still to stiff add another Tbsp. of milk.