I have loved peeking into so many of my blogger friends’ homes this Christmas season. I am always amazed at the elegant, creative motifs at this time of year. I have tucked away terrific new ideas hoping I might recreate these lovely embellishments in our own house . . . one year in the future. In the mean time, I am enjoying our Christmas decorations and the lovely spirit that permeates our home and hearts .
Our Christmas motif doesn’t have a theme, it certainly doesn’t carry a professional look, but it’s cozy and warm, filled with my children’s special touches. In the spirit of Christmas, we spent Sunday baking. Here is our favorite sugar cookie recipe. The almond extract adds a nice touch.
Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
1 cup butter ( 2 cubes), softened
2 cups sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp lemon juice
5 cups flour
Place butter in a large mixing bowl and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 45 seconds. Combine sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the sugar mixture to the butter and mix until combined. Add the sour cream, almond extract, and lemon juice and mix thoroughly. Beat in the eggs. Now add the flour, one cup at a time and beat until blended into the mixture. You may have to mix the last cup or 2 of flour in by hand utilizing a wooden spoon as the mixture will become very stiff. Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
Working with 1 piece at a time, roll out the dough on a well floured surface to 1/4 – 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets and bake in a 375° oven for 7 – 9 minutes. Do not over bake. The cookies should just start to turn golden on the edges.
Decorate with your favorite frosting and embellishments.
“Christmas was close at hand, in all his bluff and hearty honesty; it was the season of hospitality, merriment, and open-heartedness; the old year was preparing, like an ancient philosopher, to call his friends around him, and amidst the sound of feasting and revelry to pass gently and calmly away.” -Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers
What is more fun for you? Baking or taking the pictures of baking??? Here you go again–making the ordinary look extraordinary!
I still haven’t baked a single cookie yet. My neighbor brought over a HUGE platter of cookies because my kids went over and shoveled their driveway. My Mom is here and she and the kids made a pile of cookies also. I’m in charge of the “main dishes” around here, I guess.
We are making pasties today, and my job is making the crust!
Pray for us, since we will be with unsaved relatives, and I want to make the testimony of Jesus real and appealing.
Love to you.
Organizing Mommy, It sounds like you have plenty of goodies flowing into your home. You are, as always, very busy. I wish I were there to savor your pasties!
Alas, we are cookie-less here as well! I have plans to bake but just haven’t done so yet! I love the simplicity of this recipe, so I think I may try it on Tuesday. I know the girls will LOVE to help and many hands make light work!
We are allergic to nuts so we are unable to use almond extract. Can I use vanilla extract instead?
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I love your pictures too! And the idea of photographic Friday is awesome!
Andrea, have a great time decorating with the girls on Tuesday! Vanilla is a great substitute for almond.
YUMMIE! :0)
Wishing ypu and your family a Very Merry Christmas!
~Smiles~Tam!
Mmmm…yum! I like just about *anything* almond-flavored.
And I like your oh-so-sweet decorations, too. :0)
Those look beautiful! You know, I have been reading about almond extract in recipes all over lately, it seems. I think this means I need to buy some … Thanks for sharing your yummy treats, and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
What a delightful coincidence! I almost wrote to you and asked for your favorite sugar cookie recipe, and here it is! The almond extract sounds great.
Andrea, I hope you enjoy making these cookies. Have a lovely Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you !