Spiced German Cookies

Name: Spiced German Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: about 5 dozen.
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon extract; 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon each ground cardamom, coriander, cinnamon and cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup slivered almonds

These buttery spice cookies are a cross between sugar cookies and gingerbread, creating the best of both worlds. —April Drasin, Van Nuys, California

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon each ground cardamom, coriander, cinnamon and cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup slivered almonds

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and extracts. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, spices and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture.
Divide dough in half. Shape each into a disk; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm enough to roll.
Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with floured 3-in. cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Decorate tops with almonds, pressing to adhere.
Bake 9-11 minutes or until light brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.