Marbled Sugar Christmas Cookies

Directions

Make the sugar cookies:

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. Using a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the butter on high for 3 minutes and add sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 more minutes.
3. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract and mix until combined.
4. Carefully, slowly add the flour mixture to the mixer and beat on low until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
5. Flatten the dough into a square and refrigerate for at least an hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Roll the dough out onto a floured surface until it is 1/4 inch thick. Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut out your cookie dough, balling and re-rolling until no dough remains.
8. Bake for 11 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.

Decorate the cookies:

1. Add the sugar, milk, and vanilla to a large bowl and stir together until smooth. Divide into smaller bowls for every different color of icing you want.

2. Add 2-5 drops of gel food coloring on the outer perimeter of each bowl.
3. Using a toothpick, drag the drops towards the center to make a cool design. No rules, just have fun with it, but make sure not to overmix! You can mix any colors you would like!
4. Dip the cookies into the bowl, and let them drip off for a few seconds.
5. Place on a cookie sheet and add any other sprinkles or toppings. Let the icing set and enjoy!