I make this sugar cookie recipe every Christmas with my family. My mom is a teacher, and she had a baker's daughter many years ago. The baker made these for a class party, and my mom loved them so much that she shared her recipe. The trick is not to overcook them. I always use almond extract because I think it gives a better flavor. I have also made them with royal icing, and they tasted equally delicious. It is all your personal preference. This recipe does make a lot of cookies, depending on how big you cut them, but they always go really fast. This recipe makes a soft, tender dough. The dough initially is sticky, so add flour as you roll them out- but remember, the more flour you add and the more you mix them, the tougher the dough. Enjoy them!