The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

Place the butter and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer. With the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until soft and fluffy, about 1 minute.

Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts until just combined.

In a separate bow, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix in the dry ingredients with the butter-egg mixture at a time until all flour is combined.

Place a piece of parchment paper down on the counter. Roll the dough out on the parchment paper, using minimal flour to keep the rolling pin from sticking.

Transfer the sheet of dough to a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least an hour.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Cut dough out to the desired shapes. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until just barely brown around the edge. Let cool completely before decorating.