I've never shared this recipe... not like it's not in a cookbook or anything... it is, but it is an old cookbook. it was in the very first cookbook I ever got, some 40 years ago! These are hands down, the best sugar cookie e.v.e.r. Soft, almond flavored, melt in your mouth, frosting piled high sugar cookies.
Deluxe Sugar Cookies
1 C. butter or margarine, softened (must use Imperial Margarine, must)
1-1/2 C. powdered sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. almond extract
2-1/2 C. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tartar
Mix margarine, powdered sugar, egg, vanilla and almond extract. Blend in flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Cover and chill 2-3 hours.
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Divide dough in half. Roll out to about 3/16 inch thick (never in my life have I measured how thick the dough was... but this is what the recipe says, so measure if you feel you must LOL). Cut into desired shapes. Bake 7-8 minutes.
Now my oven bakes slightly "hot" so I set the temp at 365 degrees and set the timer to 6 minutes. You can always leave them in a touch longer if need be. But we really like a soft sugar cookie, so it's usually 6 minutes.
Cool, frost and decorate.