Old-Fashioned Christmas Sugar Cookies

 Photo: Anshu A / Unsplash

Sugar cookies are a classic treat that are so special this time of year. A batch of freshly baked treats is sure to delight your taste buds and bring a smile to your face.

Makes 3 dozen large cookies 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup butter
• 1½  cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons nutmeg
• 4 cups flour
• 1/4 cup cream

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Whip softened butter until creamy, then gradually add sugar. Beat eggs, and add them to mixture until blended.
2. Sift flour before measuring. Add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg to flour. Sift together.
3. Add cream and egg mixture (alternating a little of each at a time) to flour mixture until it’s very stiff. Refrigerate overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 375º F. Roll dough thinly onto floured cutting board. Cut out shapes and place them on a greased cookie sheet.
5. Bake 10–15 minutes. Remove before edges turn brown.

Extra: Add Royal Icing!

Mix 4 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons meringue powder, ½ teaspoon lemon extract, ½ cup warm water, and a small amount of gel food-coloring paste with a hand mixer until glossy, stiff peaks form (5–7 minutes on medium). Add water or powdered sugar to adjust consistency. Keep a wet paper towel over icing when not in use, as it dries out quickly.