A couple years ago I shared about how my mom loved baking during the holidays – especially her favorite, cream cheese sugar cookies. These cookies mean so much more to me than just sugary baked goodness; you can read about it here.
And just in case you’d like to whip up some holiday deliciousness for you and yours, the recipe is below. Enjoy!
Love,
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 C. Sugar 1 C. Butter, softened (I use salted) 8 oz. Cream Cheese, softened 1 Egg 1 tsp. Vanilla 1/2 tsp. Almond Extract 3 1/2 C. Flour 1 t. Baking Powder
INSTRUCTIONS In mixer (I use my cake-batter attachement), beat sugar, butter, and cream cheese until fluffy-ish. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat until creamy. In separate bowl, sift flour and baking powder together. Little by little, add flour mix to cream cheese mixture. Mix well until flour is fully incorporated. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 2-3 hours. On lightly floured surface, roll dough (about 1/2″ thickness). Cut cookies and bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.
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- I use a simple powdered sugar glaze as frosting for these – powdered sugar, water, and a little vanilla. Add water little by little to the sugar until you get the consistency you want. Liven up with food coloring and decorating goodies!
Myndi Shafer 
I understand perfectly, Myndi! And I bake every year for exactly this reason — to stay connected to my mother who’s been gone these many years.
I’m so sorry your momma’s gone, Jenny! There is something super special about hanging on to those traditions, not just for us, but for our kiddos, too. Grandma Cathy always seems a little closer around the holidays because of it. *hugs* Happy Christmastime to you!
So true, Myndi! My mom and I baked Christmas cookies every year, and now that I do it (though I have boys so not quite the same), the memory brings back those special feelings. My powdered sugar glaze is similar to yours, though with milk instead of water. Your recipe looks yummy…I may have to give this one a try!
With milk? Yummy! Do you refrigerate the cookies after you’ve frosted them to keep the frosting fresh?