3 c. sifted all purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. softened butter
1 egg, slightly beaten
3 tbsp. light cream
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add butter and cut into the flour mixture with a mixer or blender until particles are fine.

Add egg, cream and vanilla, blending in thoroughly. If desired, chill dough for easier handling.

Place 1/3 of the dough on a well floured board and place a sheet of waxed paper on top of the dough. Roll dough to 1/8" thickness and remove paper. Cut shapes and lift off pattern. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 5 to 8 minutes until lightly brown at the edges. Frost when cool. Approximately 6 to 7 dozen.

FROSTING:

1 c. sifted powdered sugar
1 tbsp. softened butter
1/8 tsp. almond extract
1-2 tbsp. milk to achieve spreading consistency

Combine all ingredients. Add desired food coloring.