Christmas Cookie Week Continues: Cream Cheese Cutouts

What's more fun than baking cookies with your kids? Especially this time of year with the snow on the ground.

Baking Christmas cookies with your kids will keep them entertained and away from the TV and video games.

Christmas is a time for family and togetherness. With all the hustle and bustle that December brings we can forget to spend quality time with our kids. Making cookies is one way to be together and just have fun!

Here is a delicious cookie that is sure to make fun memories for you and your kids. So get out the cookie cutters!

CREAM CHEESE CUTOUT COOKIES



1 cup butter, softened
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 1/2 cps all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Almond Frosting (recipe follows)
Assorted candies for decoration

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until well combined. Add sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla and almond extract; beat well.

In a small bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to cream cheeese mixture; beat until well mixed. Divide dough in half. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap; refrigerate about 1 1/2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll out dough, half at a time, to 1/8-inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut out with cookie cutters. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Frost cookies with Almond Frosting; decorate with assorted candies, nuts, etc.


ALMOND FROSTING

In a small bowl, beat 2 cups sifted powdered sugar,2 tablespoons softened butter and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract until smooth.

For piping consistency, beat in 4 or 5 teaspoons milk.

For spreading consistency, add a little more milk. If desired, tint with food coloring.

* Make sure to always use a completely cooled cookie sheet before you go onto the next batch of cookies. If the cookie sheet is warm they will not bake as evenly.


This cookie recipe is fun because after the cookies are baked and cooled everyone can decorate them together.

So put on the Christmas music and get into the real spirit of Christmas, which is home, family, and being thankful to God for both.

Have fun and make time for your family, especially during the holiday season!