Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease two baking sheets or line them with parchment.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and cream cheese, if using, until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts and the egg. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.

Step 5: Add the flour mixture and mix at low to medium speed until evenly moistened.

Step 6: Put the 3/4 cup (149g) sugar in a large plastic bag or shallow pan. Scoop the dough by tablespoonfuls into the sugar, rolling them in the pan or gently shaking them in the bag to coat.

Step 7: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between them. Use a flat-bottomed glass to flatten them to about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes: bake for 10 minutes for softer cookies or 12 minutes for crunchier cookies. The edges should just begin to brown.

Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and cool them on the pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a rack to finish cooling completely.