OK, everyone loves to see those cute cookies decorated to a theme for a birthday or special occasion, but no one really enjoys eating them! The sugar cookies are usually over powered by the sweet icing layer . Therefore  i make fancy decorated sugar cookies  in small quantities to dress up a party table knowing that they will be admired more than munched. This said, i do add lots of flavor to the sugar cookie recipe  while reducing the sugar content  and also add flavor to the icing that goes onto the cookie. So even though they are hardly a gourmet treat, I love to design and make fun decorated cookies for events!My recipe is in grams.

SUGAR COOKIES (for roll-n-cut cookies)

225 gr soft butter

125 gr powdered sugar

1 egg

5 ml almond extract or lemon zest

5 ml vanilla extract

6 gr salt

5 gr baking powder

330 gr flour

Combine the butter, sugar, egg, flavors in a mixing bowl. Beat together and gradually add the dry ingredients. Scrape down the sides. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Work the dough by kneading to have all at the same density (see chocolate cookie video).Preheat the oven to 170°C. Roll out to 4mm thickness, not too thin or they will be fragile and the icing will overpower the cookie base. Bake until lightly brown or edges and cool on a rack. The cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container until iced.