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Festive Sugar Cookie Sparkle Magic

These aren't your average sugar cookies, mama! They're buttery, soft, and covered in sparkly sanding sugar that catches the light (and everyone's attention). I promise these will be gone before you even finish setting up the rest of your exchange table.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Colored sanding sugar for decorating

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extracts.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in colored sanding sugar to coat completely.
  7. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are just set but centers are still soft.
  9. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.