Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies

I have tried dozens of cut out sugar cookie recipes.  I have to say, this is the one!  I hate it when I cut out the sugar cookies into shapes and after baking the cookies, the shape gets distorted.  Not this recipe.  The shape maintained it's straight lines, and the taste and texture is delicious.  Especially when you pair it with some almond flavored frosting...my fave. 
Keep dough really cold in between batches.  I like to cut out all my cookies at once, place them onto a a cutting board and stick them into the fridge so that they stay cold before putting them into the oven to cook.

Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies

1 c sugar
1 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
1 large egg
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
3 cups + 2 tablespoons, all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixer, beat butter and sugar together until blended. Stir in egg, almond and vanilla extracts. Scrape sides of bowl and mix again. Slowly stir in flour and baking powder until just incorporated. Dough will be crumbly so you'll have to work it together with your hands. Shouldn't take too much effort. Roll dough out to be 1/4-3/8 inch thick on well floured work surface. Cut into desired shapes and transfer to baking sheet. Immediately transfer to oven and bake 7-8 minutes. The thicker the cookie, the longer the baking time. Cool 3 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack. Serve at room temperature.  Frost with frosting and decorate if you wish.