I originally found this recipe in my December 2008 copy of the Betty Crocker Christmas Cookies publication.  I like this recipe because it starts from a cookie mix.  I’m not normally a big fan of using mixes – it takes some of the home-made out of home-made, but it makes my life super easy when I’m in a hurry.

Ingredients:

• 1 pouch Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
• 3/4 cup finely chopped almonds
• 3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. In large bowl stir together cookie mix, almonds and spices.
3. Add butter, vanilla and almond extracts.
4. Mix until soft dough forms.
5. Shape into balls equaling 1 tablespoon amount of dough each.
6. Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.
7. Bake 12-14 minutes or until set.
8. Cool 5 minutes.
9. Remove to cooking rack.
10. Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
11. Gently roll warm cookies in powdered sugar to coat.
12. Put back on cooling rack to cool completely, about 15 minutes.
13. Roll in powdered sugar again before serving.