Basic Sugar Cookies

01Method

1. 1

   Position an oven rack in the center and heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. 2

   Add the cake mix, butter, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, blend on low for about 30 seconds, then scrape down the bowl sides. Raise the speed to medium and continue mixing until the dough forms a cohesive sticky ball, roughly 30 to 45 seconds.

3. 3

   On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick using a floured rolling pin. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and arrange them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Dough scraps can be re-rolled once for additional cookies. Lightly brush each cookie with egg white and add sprinkles on top.

4. 4

   Bake one sheet at a time. Smaller cookies are done when the edges turn golden, about 8 to 10 minutes; larger ones need 10 to 12 minutes. Allow cookies to sit on the pan for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack with a spatula. Cool completely, about 20 minutes.