All of my memories of making and decorating Christmas cookies as a kid involve lots of family members. It was an elaborate production, for sure. Even though it's a much quieter affair now, it's a tradition that I wanted to pass along to Carver from her very first Christmas. When she was just two months old, I made Christmas cookies with her snuggled onto my front side in a bjorn. When she was one year old, I set up a cookie making station on a low table, and we made a giant mess together. This year, Carver is two. And that just about says it all. ;) There's just something magical about making these special cookies together.

I wouldn't do it now, but as a kid, I always consumed far more raw Christmas cookie dough than decorated cookies. In fact, truth be told, I never liked the taste of the decorations. So, until Carver knows any better, we go ultra simple -- red and green sprinkles added just before cooking.

1 1/2 C powdered sugar

1 C softened butter

1 egg

1 t vanilla extract

1/2 t almond extract

2 C flour (plus 1/2 C or more for rolling out the dough)

1 t baking soda

1 t cream of tartar

Mix powered sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, and almond extracts.

Mix in flour, baking soda, and cream of tarter.

Cover and refrigerate dough until well chilled (at least 2 hours).

Roll out chilled dough to about 1/4" thick. Cut into shapes.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.

Cool and decorate, as desired.