Bake some cookies!  We don’t need perfection, we need quality time together and that’s what we got.  I have a simple sugar cookie recipe that is delicious and easy to decorate with your little ones!  We made 2 large Christmas tree cookies and many smaller roundish (Haha!) shaped ones too.

Classic Sugar Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

2  3/4 cups of all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp almond extract (optional for extra flavor)

3-4 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.  Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.  Add milk one tablespoon at a time, as needed, to bring the dough together.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. (optional: roll in extra sugar) place on baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
7. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or leave rounded for a puffier cookie.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden.  Do not over bake for soft cookies.
9. Cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Glaze:

Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons milk and a splash of vanilla extract.  Drizzle over cooled cookies.

We rolled the dough and used a large cookie cutter to make the Christmas Trees.  We also used already prepared icing and sugar sprinkles.  Decorate however you like – be creative!  Most importantly enjoy your time together!

Happy Holidays!