Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened3/4 cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 teaspoon almond extract2 large eggs, room temperature2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon cream of tartar1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon ground nutmegFROSTING:1/4 cup butter, softened3 cups confectioners’ sugar1 teaspoon almond extract2 to 4 tablespoons hot waterBlue food coloringOptional decorations: Bear-shaped crackers, fish-shaped graham crackers, Airheads candies, gummy sour rings, white sugar pearls and palm tree party picks
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes; beat in extracts and 1 egg at a time. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt and nutmeg; gradually beat into creamed mixture.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 3 in. apart onto parchment-lined baking sheets; flatten slightly with bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. Bake until edges begin to brown, 8-10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire racks; cool completely.
For frosting, beat butter, confectioners’ sugar, extract and enough water to reach desired consistency; tint blue with food coloring. Spread over cookies. Decorate as desired.
