Great Italian Christmas Cookies

GREAT ITALIAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES
COOKIE:
2/3 c. sugar
1 stick butter, softened
2 t. vanilla
¾ t. almond extract
3 eggs
2 ½ c. flour, plus extra for dusting
2 t. baking powder
¾ t. salt
GLAZE:
2 c. powdered sugar
3 T. milk
½ t. vanilla
Red and green sprinkles, for decorating

1. COOKIES: In bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle, beat sugar, butter, vanilla and almond extract on medium until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add eggs and beat until combined (batter will look separated).
3. With mixer on low, gradually add flour, baking powder and salt.
4. Beat until all dry ingredients are incorporated.
5. Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour up to 4 hours.
6. Preheat oven 350.
7. Shape dough into about 36 (1”) balls. Lightly dusting hands with flour as needed.
8. Place on 2 parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 1” apart.
9. Bake until set and very lightly browned on bottom, 10-12 minutes.
10. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely.
11. GLAZE: In medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk and vanilla.
12. Dip top of each cookie in glaze, allowing excess to drip off and then sprinkle with red/green sprinkles.
13. Let cookies stand until glaze hardens, about 30 minutes.