Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

We're picky about sugar cookies - they have to be worth the calories. So here are the two recipes that we love, the cookies are soft and chewy, with a hint of almond, and the frosting isn't overly sweet. The cookie recipe comes from Our Best Bites, and the frosting is from a recipe that has been passed down in our family.

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1 cup real butter (no substitutions!) at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 egg (make sure to use a large or extra large egg)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
3 C flour, lightly spooned into measuring cups and leveled (don’t scoop it!)
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
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3 Tbsp butter (softened)
8 oz neufchâtel or cream cheese (softened)
1 tsp vanilla
3-4 cups powdered sugar
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1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy- about 2 minutes.

2. Add in egg and extract and mix to incorporate.

3. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. (Use a regular sized spoon and spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a knife. Otherwise the cookies will be too dry)

4. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until completely combined.
When you’re ready to roll out dough lightly sprinkle flour onto your work surface and roll out dough with a rolling pin.

5. Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes. The baking time really depends on how you like them. If you like them really and slightly chewy, about 8-9 minutes does it. If you like them slightly crisp and buttery, then go for 10-12.

6. For the frosting, beat the butter and neufchâtel cheese together until combined and smooth.

7. Add vanilla.

8. Gradually add powdered sugar until you get the sweetness and consistency you like.

9. Spread the frosting on your cookies while they are still a little warm.