Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
• Red and pink sprinkles or frosting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Mix the wet ingredients:
   Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until combined.

3. Combine the dry ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

4. Chill the dough:
   Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape while baking.

5. Shape the cookies:
   Roll the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press gently with a fork or the back of a spoon to flatten them slightly. If desired, sprinkle with red or pink sprinkles.

6. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Decorate (optional):
   Once cooled, you can decorate with your favorite frosting or sprinkles to make them extra festive!