Every Christmas my family insists on me making these cookies. I have spoiled them incessantly!!! I found this recipe years ago and have created these cookies for our Christmas Eve tradition for over 20 years. In fact I have to make a 4 batches of dough to feed everyone. These cookies will keep for a week or two if kept in a cool location. Not a problem here in Maine. Although I haven’t made them yet this year…..I hope to do some baking by next weekend. Perhaps my niece Amy (the other pastry chef) or Nichole *hint, hint* would be willing to take on the responsibility this year. So here is my favorite recipe! Enjoy……
1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. almond extract
2-1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup colored sugar
BEAT cream cheese and butter in large bowl with electric mixer until well blended. Add granulated sugar and vanilla; mix well. Gradually add flour, beating well after each addition; cover. Refrigerate several hours or until chilled.
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes with 3- to 4-inch cookie cutters. Sprinkle cutouts with colored sugar. Place, 2 inches apart, on baking sheets.
BAKE 12 to 15 min. or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 2 min. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.
After they are cooled I usually frost these delights with either a buttercream or cream cheese frosting! 
