Mom's favorite: Sugar cookies

Is it normal to keep a record of the Christmas cookies you make each year, listing the number of dozens you've made of each? Is it normal to have a freezer full of cookies just in case you have guests stop by during the holidays? Is it normal to tell your daughters you're cutting back this year, and we can only pick our 5 top favorite cookies this year? I think this is very normal because my mom has been doing all of this for years. This is the first of 25 posts of Christmas cookies in honor of her and the sweet smells of holiday baking. Enjoy!

This sugar cookie recipe is a family favorite. My mom clipped it from the Pittsburgh Press in the 1970s when she and my dad were first married. This cookie has taken many forms in her kitchen over the years...hearts at Valentine's Day, turkeys at Thanksgiving and snowflakes at Christmas.

Sugar Cookies

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup butter, softened

1 egg

1 t. vanilla extract

1/2 t. almond extract

2 1/2 cups flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. cream of tartar

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

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Divide dough in half. Roll each half 3/16-inch thick on a lightly flour-covered surgace. Cut dough in desired shapes with cookie cutters. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for about 7 to 8 minutes (until edges are slightly browned). Frost and decorate as desired.

Creamy Decorators' Frosting

Beat 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 t. vanilla extract and about 1 T. water or 1 to 2 T. of half and half until smooth and of spreading consistency. Tint with 2 to 3 drops of food coloring, if desired. Makes enough for 3 to 5 dozen cookies.