A Sweet Valentines Day Treat

I don't really celebrate Valentines Day. I choose to stay away from the cards and chocolates and dinner reservations but one thing I always look forward to are pink frosted sugar cookies. They are fun to make together and give away!


3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1-8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour and baking powder. Set aside.

In a large mixer bowl beat butter or margarine and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract; beat well. Gradually add flour mixture to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Divide dough into thirds (about 2 cups each). Cover and chill overnight (or at least two hours).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out one third of dough at a time on a generously floured surface, and with a rolling pin, smooth out to a round piece about 1/4 inch thick, and then use cookie cutters to make your favorite shapes. Bake in preheated oven 8-10 minutes.

Cool on a rack. Decorate when cool.