Gingerbread Houses and Sugar Cookies

A yearly tradition in our family each Christmas is to get together and make gingerbread houses and sugar cookies. I have a very artistic daughter, creative daughter-in-law and two fun grandchildren who come to my kitchen to have a day of fun. My job is to make the cookie dough and keep the frosting in supply. We make a mess, but this grandmother loves a messy kitchen when fun is involved! I am still cleaning up sprinkles from my kitchen floor three days later. I make the same cookie dough I have for years….I call this recipe “My Kid’s Favorite Sugar Cookies.” When I try to sneak in the store bought dough, when time is scarce, it is noticed.

Decorated by…Jamie and Angela

Creations by Gage and Avery

Gingerbread Houses have been created a couple of different ways. We have not ventured out as far as making our own gingerbread, rolling and cutting the shapes. This year, we used the method I used in the fourth grade classroom for years…using school milk cartons. I like this method best, because everyone gets to individualize their own gingerbread house.

My Kid’s Favorite Sugar Cookies

(Printable copy.)

Mix following 5 ingredients together:

1 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Blend in:

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tarter.

Cover and chill 2-3 hours.

Heat oven to 375 degree F. Divide dough in half. Roll each half to about 1/4 thick on counter sprinkled with powdered sugar. Cut into desired shapes and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Place on baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Bake 7 to 8 minutes, or until light brown on edges.

Makes approximately 5 dozen cookies.