Christmas Sugar Cookies

Make the dough

1. Whisk dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cream butter and sugar. In a large bowl (or stand mixer), beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. The butter should be soft enough to press, but still cool and not shiny or greasy. Scrape down the bowl.

3. Add egg and extracts. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined. Scrape down the bowl again.

4. Add dry to wet. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in 2 to 3 additions just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

5. Chill. Divide dough into 2 discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

Roll, cut, and bake

1. Preheat and prep. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment.

2. Roll. Let one dough disc sit at room temp for 5 to 10 minutes so it rolls without cracking. Roll on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. For extra even cookies, roll between parchment or use rolling pin guides.

3. Cut shapes. Cut with cookie cutters and transfer to the prepared pans, leaving about 1 inch between cookies. Re-roll scraps once or twice as needed. If the dough warms up, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes.

4. Bake. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the tops look set and the edges are just starting to turn pale golden.

5. Cool. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before decorating.

Decorate with quick vanilla glaze

1. Mix icing. In a bowl, whisk 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Add more milk a teaspoon at a time until it is thick but dippable. For piping, keep it thicker.

2. Ice and sprinkle. Dip cookie tops into glaze or spread with a small spatula. Add sprinkles right away before the glaze sets.

3. Set. Let icing set at room temp for 1 to 2 hours. This milk-based glaze dries to a smooth finish that may stay slightly soft in humid kitchens, so give it extra time before stacking if the weather is doing the most.