Whales & Sailboats

Sometimes I can't help but think of what it would be like to live in the ocean. I'm a mermaid believer and you can certainly call me crazy for all I care. Whales just happens to be another one of those majestic creatures in this world that make people wonder on what else could be living in the ocean. These cookies are also about as far as I'll probably ever get to go whale watching. 

These almond cookies are seriously delicious. They are also one of my favorite recipes for cut-out cookies. These pair well with either frosting or royal icing. It's really your choice to decide what you prefer. I like to use royal icing for these cookies and making some royal icing decals adds a great touch to make them pretty.

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Almond Cut-Out Cookies (via The Cookie Bible)

Makes about 2 dozen cookies

2 1/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 sticks butter

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp almond extract

Combine flour and salt in a small bowl. Beat the sugar and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in the egg and extracts. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until well combined. Divide the dough in half and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until firm.

Preheat oven to 350*F. Roll dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out with desired cookie cutters. Bake for about 12-15 minutes. Let cool and decorate with desired icing.